Support Philly Beginning Farmers

The Philly Farms Beginning Farmer Program is a project of East Park Revitalization Alliance a 501(c)(3).  The program continues to provide stipends to urban food producers who are developing and piloting farm businesses that will provide them with supplemental income while also improving community food security within their community.  Please donate what you can and/or spread the word.  Any donation helps, as does passing the request on to others you think would be interested in giving, even if you cannot. 



This 2017 Edible Philly article further describes some efforts to date by this dedicated group: http://ediblephilly.ediblecommunities.com/things-do/grays-ferry-garden-opportunity-grows

Examples of ways in which farmer participants have both provided and received support this year include the 60 hours of garden coaching that beginning farmers have provided to help Strawberry Mansion community residents grow, harvest and cook organic food in a food desert , the 10,000+ pounds of food that have been grown and sold at affordable rates to the community or donated to recently resettled refugees  this season, the 5000 youth volunteer hours that have been coordinated in support of community greening care for  many elder gardens, so that elders can continue to share their wisdom with youth.

We are seeking money to continue to provide educational experiences for participants over the winter [food lodging and travel to organic farming conferences like NOFA-VT or NOFA-NJ] as well as ability to provide small stipends and continue to pursue next steps in indivdual business plans of participants.  Funding will directly support this team of seven in continued education and community food security activities.  Funds are needed over this winter and early spring.  Funds will not be used for administrative or other organization expenses.