YMCA Southcoast: Branch Sites - Dartmouth

What is Sharing the Harvest?

Sharing the Harvest is a community farm collaboration between YMCA Southcoast, The United Way of Greater New Bedford, and the Hunger Commission of Southeastern Massachusetts (a program of the United Way). We started with a one-acre parcel in 2006 that yielded nearly 6,000 lbs of produce. In 2008 we'll be actively growing on one and a half acres, while turning in more land for future production, and expect to produce more than 15,000 lbs. All of the fresh vegetables produced are distributed to area food pantries, soup kitchens and other emergency feeding programs by the Hunger Commission.

Thousands of children, families and individuals in need of food assistance from Fall River to Wareham received fresh vegetables thanks to the efforts of volunteers of all ages and abilities. In 2007, more than 400 volunteers worked more than 1,400 hours from May through October to help plant, nurture and harvest the crops. In 2008 we hope to log more than 2000 community hours under the direction of Derek Christianson, farming project manager, and Derek Heim, Executive Director of the Dartmouth YMCA.

Read more about the farm in our Little Sprouts newsletter: September 2008, August 2008, July 2008, June 2008, May 2008, April 2008, 2006, and 2007 newsletters. Email Derek Christianson to be put on the mailing list for future issues.

Volunteer

You can make a difference in your community by volunteering on the farm. Drop-in volunteer hours for 2008 have begun and are Monday, Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00am to 12:00noon. We also invite groups and individuals to volunteer at other times. Please call the Dartmouth YMCA at 508.993.3361 or email dchristianson@ymcaosuthcoast.org for more information.

Donate

You can also help by Sponsoring a Crop ($1,000) or joining Friends of the Harvest ($100+ donation). Donate on-line or mail your gift to the Dartmouth YMCA, 276 Gulf Road, Dartmouth, MA 02748.

For more information, email the project manager, call the Dartmouth YMCA at 508.993.3361, or fill out the YMCA Volunteer Application on-line. Contact the YMCA Southcoast Development Office for further information on financial support or download the Get Involved Form.

What is Sharing the Harvest?

Volunteer

Donate

Fall II Guide