Stonehill Farm Provides Fresh Produce For Needy

September 07, 2011

by Beth Sheehan
Brockton Enterprise Letters to the Editor

During the summer months, many of us enjoy visiting local farm stands and eating the delicious sweet corn, tomatoes and other fresh vegetables that are abundant this time of year.

Unfortunately, fresh produce is a luxury that many on a fixed income cannot afford.

As the Manager of the Food Assistance Program at My Brother's Keeper, I would like to publicly thank Stonehill College and Vice President for Mission Paul DaPonte for creating The Farm at Stonehill, a 1 ½ acre sustainable, organic farm on Route 138 in Easton that grows and distributes produce to local charities.

Each Monday, Bridget Meigs, the farm manager, and Stonehill students Michelle Kozminski and Brian Switzer deliver bushels of fresh produce to My Brother's Keeper, wonderful things like lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, potatoes, corn, bell peppers, kale and chard. It's such a joy to distribute these items to families who call us for food assistance in Brockton and Easton.

For those we serve, money is tight and there is little room in their budget for fresh local produce. With rent, utilities, prescriptions and other expenses to pay for, most people on a fixed income must choose canned vegetables which are high in sodium instead of fresh produce which is much healthier and more nutritious.

At My Brother's Keeper, we are grateful we can include Stonehill's fresh produce in all our food deliveries. We hope The Farm at Stonehill will continue providing food for the hungry as well as a wonderful learning experience for its students for many years to come.

Thank you Stonehill for growing community spirit, not just food.

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