For two decades, Newton Community Farm has been one of the Newton Food Pantry’s most steadfast and generous partners. Since opening as an educational nonprofit in 2006, the Farm has become a powerful example of what can happen when a community preserves green space and commits to using it for the common good.
Through the collaborative work and expertise of farm staff (led by Farm Director Greg Maslowe for the last 20 years) and volunteers, Newton Community Farm grows more than 50,000 pounds of produce annually. Each week from late spring through the fall, approximately 10 percent of it is donated to local nonprofits such as the Newton Food Pantry.
“We know that many Newton Food Pantry clients have limited access to fresh produce, and we’re committed to helping fill this gap,” says Newton Community Farm Executive Director Laila Bravo (in photo, left).
Early and late in the growing season, Newton Community Farm prioritizes fast-growing crops like baby bok choy, arugula, mustard greens, and cilantro to produce more for community members. They also work to grow culturally relevant vegetables so that more area residents can find foods that feel familiar, comforting, and meaningful to them.
At a time when the need for food assistance has steadily grown — the Newton Food Pantry serves more than 2,500 Newton residents — the support we receive from local farms is increasingly important. Each week, our pantry features 16-20 different types of fresh produce for clients, and we must purchase much of it through wholesale vendors. Donations from Newton Community Farm, as well as from Land’s Sake Farm in Weston, help us stretch our dollars and expand our offerings of healthy food.
“The Pantry and the Farm share core values: We believe all people have a right to nutritious food, and we treat everyone in our community with compassion, dignity and respect,” says Laila.
As the Newton Food Pantry’s partnership with Newton Community Farm enters its 20th year, we are deeply grateful for their unwavering support!