Christine Pitawanich
NCC News
Something to Look Forward to for Needy Families
For the first time ever the Interreligious Food Consortium is teaming up with the Matthew 25 Farm in Tully to bring hungry families fresh vegetables. Tuesday, the IFC will be harvesting lettuce and green beans from the farm and distributing it to local, emergency food pantries in Onondaga County. The goal is to give needy families an opportunity to supplement canned goods with fresh produce.
Off to a Good Start
The program started at the beginning of this year when the owner of the farm, Jeff Rarick, felt that there was a need for fresh vegetables in food pantries. So far, he has grown lettuce, peas and green beans with plans to grow and harvest carrots, beets, tomatoes, corn, and cabbage throughout the summer season.
Though it’s a new program, it already seems promising. According to Michele Jordan, Executive Director of the IFC, the yield should be good on Tuesday. “It’s been raining this season, so the lettuce is coming in,” she said.
Working to Resolve Difficulties
But all the kinks haven’t been worked out yet. It may be difficult for some people to locate the pantries receiving fresh vegetables on a regular basis. “We’re not quite sure how much we have and we’re not quite sure how many of the pantries will be able to come pick up the produce at that time and how much they can handle” said Jordan.
Opportunities to Help
The IFC works with about 70 food pantries in Onondaga County and operates solely on donations. If you’re interested in volunteering contact the IFC at 315-474-8855. Or if you want to volunteer your time on the farm, visit www.matthew25farm.org for more information.
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