Produce for the people. (Foodbank buys organic farm)

[cali]

<snip>

Last year, the Foodbank purchased the 20-acre Kingsbury from the Vermont Land Trust for $225,000. The VLT holds a conservation easement on the property, valued at $270,000, which restricts its development and includes a requirement that the land remain in agriculture.

Kingsbury Farm, which uses organic practices, grows fresh vegetables such as lettuce, Swiss chard and beets for 10 Mad River Valley social-service agencies. It is also producing about 40,000 pounds of storage crops for the Vermont Foodbank, which the hunger-relief organization will distribute to partner agencies throughout the state.

“I grew twice as much carrots, onions and squash as the Foodbank said they wanted,” Locker said. “That way if I really screw it up, I’ll still have enough.”

By owning a vegetable farm, the Vermont Foodbank can provide greater access to local, fresh and nutritious food for people who otherwise can’t afford it, said Foodbank CEO John Sayles. Providing fresh produce to needy populations, and having an active role in the “food system,” are important components in the fight against hunger, Sayles said.

Read more: http://www.burlingtonfreepress.com/article/20100711/LIVING09/100709010/Produce-for-the-people#ixzz0tNXmplZc

[CTyankee]

1. I love Vermont! What a cool state!

That post cheered me up...some good news for a change...

[BrklynLiberal]

2. What a great idea...!!

[xchrom]

3. Recommend

[SpiralHawk]

4. They do an innovative Gleaning Project, too

Volunteers sweep area farms after the harvest -- the gleanings go to the hungry...

[NC_Nurse]

5. K&R

[pinto]

6. Kick

:kick: