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Local Nonprofit Starts “Veggie Drive” to Bring Healthy Produce to Families in Need During The Holiday Season

Community FarmShare, a small nonprofit based out of Poolesville, MD, had the idea to start a “Veggie Drive” as a way to bring healthy fresh produce to families via food assistance providers this season of giving. When often the only option for food drives is non-perishables, Community FarmShare thought of a way to make healthy farm-fresh options possible too.

Within an hour of the Veggie Drive going live, Community FarmShare saw an incredible response  and had to quickly circle back with their farm partners (all local farms) to see if they could add more inventory to keep up with the demand. The community has shown that it is interested in supporting local farmers (and their stories) and helping our more vulnerable county residents get healthy, fresh produce for their holiday meals- something Community FarmShare founder Jenny Freeman refers to as a win-win for farmers and families.
Community FarmShare has partnered with Montgomery County food providers to distribute fresh produce to local communities. Each week CFS will review orders from donors and deliver produce to the respective food assistance providers. Please visit their website to learn more:
“Residents living on low income with less access to healthy food options face higher risks of diet related chronic disease… and our local farmers grow the best nutrient dense produce in the county” Freeman says. “…and others with financial resources in the community have a real interest in making that link happen between farm fresh and healthy meals for all through their veggie drive purchases. The produce ordered on our online market is still in the ground. On Sunday evening, I’ll send the farmers their orders; Monday they harvest; Tuesday we deliver to food assistance providers.“
Freeman tells us Community FarmShare’s role as a nonprofit is just to be a facilitator and link others together to “make good things happen.” Because they were able to put the project together in about a week, she believes it was just waiting to happen. The Veggie Drive began on Saturday, November 11 and runs until Monday, December 18.
The vision for Community FarmShare sprouted in 2020, in the midst of a global pandemic, at Freeman’s Peas and Peace Farm in Poolesville, when a group of community residents recognized the pressing strains on our local food systems during the pandemic and saw a way to link farms with families facing food insecurity. Their community-based initiative involves different stakeholders with a common vision.

  • Many of those involved in the organization are from rural areas, understanding the value and challenges of local small scale farms, and have long histories of working or volunteering with our communities, growing food, and bringing about positive change.

  • The participating farmers are those who care deeply about growing healthy food, using organic, regenerative farming methods so that all eaters can eat well and be healthy, while stewarding the earth for the future.

  • The families in communities facing barriers who receive the locally grown fruit and vegetables are our neighbors, and they are the voices that shape our role in the community fabric.

Featured photo courtesy of Common Root Farm (Olney)

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Join us at Lafayette Federal Credit Union for a Free Community Shred Day, an event dedicated to helping you protect your privacy and the environment! Bring your old bank statements, bills, medical records, and any other paper documents that need secure disposal, and we'll take care of them on the spot.

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Protect Your Privacy: Safely shred sensitive documents to help prevent identity theft.

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Don't miss out on this chance to declutter safely, enjoy some free treats, and possibly win a great prize. We look forward to seeing you there, rain or shine!

For more information, contact us at www.lfcu.events/shred.

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Get ready to experience the vibrant colors, tantalizing flavors, and infectious rhythms of the Caribbean at the FEST OF SPRING Caribbean Wine Food & Music Festival! Hosted by RHU LLC, this exciting festival is set to take place on May 18, 2024, at the picturesque 16700 Barnesville Rd in Boyds, MD.

Step into a world where the Caribbean spirit comes alive! From 12:00 PM onwards, immerse yourself in a sensory journey that celebrates the unique culture, cuisine, and music of the Caribbean. Whether you're an African American, a Reggae or Soca music enthusiast, a wine lover, or part of the vibrant Caribbean diaspora, this festival promises to delight and captivate you in every way.

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Accompanying the culinary extravaganza is a carefully curated selection of premium wines, ensuring the perfect pairing for your palate. Sip on fine wines from renowned vineyards, each sip a reflection of the Caribbean's vibrant spirit. Discover new flavors, expand your wine knowledge, and savor unforgettable moments with every glass.

As the sun sets, get ready to groove to the infectious rhythms of Caribbean music. Feel the pulsating beats of reggae, soca, dancehall, and calypso, moving your body to the lively melodies. Live performances by talented musicians and performers will keep the energy high, ensuring a night of unforgettable entertainment.

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KIDS 12 & UNDER FREE!!!

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