Cultivating A Community
Massaro Community Farm is a steadily expanding community resource, thanks – in part – to a multi-year grant from unrestricted funds at The Community Foundation.
Not only can residents living in Woodbridge and surrounding towns subscribe to the farm's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program each year, but Massaro Community Farm is committed to providing at least 10% of its crop to local hunger relief organizations. It also runs a two-week Summer camp, family events and educational workshops throughout the year, all as part of its commitment to building community and fostering a connection to the land.
The Foundation grant enabled Massaro Community Farm to hire Executive Director Caty Poole to help organize events and programs and provide outreach to the community. The results are unmistakable with the launch of farm field trips, hosting a national FoodCorps service member, and greater support for farm programs through collaborations with agencies like the Jewish Community Center of Greater New Haven and Griffin Hospital's Prevention Research Center. The farm has also greatly increased awareness of its programs by doubling its newsletter subscription rates and social media presence, as evidenced by attendance at its events, and major fundraising revenue through its Annual Dinner on the Farm event.
"The Community Foundation grant was the launch pad that allowed Massaro Community Farm to transition from a Woodbridge-supported concern to a regional resource where community members can gather, explore and learn about food and responsible land management," said Executive Director Caty Poole. "We could not be more pleased with our progress in five short years."
These days, you can find produce from Massaro Community Farm at local farmer's markets and in select local restaurants. The farm was able to provide about 8,000 pounds of fresh food to area organizations in 2013 as well.
Did You Know?
More than 6 billion pounds of fresh produce go unharvested or unsold each year in the United States.
Source: "Wasted", the Natural Resources Defense Council
