Sharing the Harvest Community Farm
Sharing the Harvest Community Farm is a collaboration between the Dartmouth YMCA and the United Way of New Bedford’s Hunger Commission. STH Farm is a volunteer-driven community farm established in 2006 as a grassroots effort to fight hunger and help feed our neighbors in need. All produce is donated to 22 local hunger relief programs throughout the Southcoast region.
About Sharing The Harvest Community Farm
We rely on volunteers to fulfill our mission to alleviate hunger. Since 2006, volunteers have contributed over 64,000 hours of service, engaged in 25,000 visits to the farm, and have made it possible to donate over 547,000 pounds of produce.
The generosity of others is at the core of our existence. It is only through the support of thousands of volunteers as well as public and private donations that we are able to serve our community. Thank you!
Available at these Locations:
Our Mission at STH Community Farm
Nutrition Security: Alleviate hunger for children, families, and adults in need of food assistance by growing and distributing nutrient-dense food to food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency feeding programs along the Southcoast of Massachusetts.
Community Service: Promote volunteerism and an awareness of food insecurity, while building a community rooted in the values of service.
Education: Address the root causes of food insecurity by sharing gardening, ecological farming, and cooking skills, as well as providing opportunities to connect and appreciate nature through these activities.
What is Nutrition Security?
According to the 2024 report from the Greater Boston Food Bank…
- Bristol County has one of the highest levels of food insecurity (48%) in Massachusetts.
- 1 in 3 people living in Massachusetts report running out of food, or not having enough money to buy food, each month.
Aligned with the YMCA’s value of social responsibility, Sharing the Harvest Community Farm draws attention to the issue of nutrition security, and takes action by growing food for those in need. Located at the Dartmouth YMCA, the farm is situated close to New Bedford and Fall River. In these Gateway Cities, grocery stores and healthy produce can be harder for people to access due to unreliable transportation, rising prices of food, travelling longer distances to grocery stores, and numerous other barriers. Our vision at STH is to work towards alleviating nutrition insecurity in our region by providing nutritious, sustainably grown, and pesticide-free seasonal produce at no cost to people experiencing food insecurity. We believe fresh food should be accessible for all.
To view the 2024 GBFB report, please visit: https://www.gbfb.org/
Volunteering at the Sharing the Harvest Community Farm
Volunteering at the Sharing the Harvest Community Farm, is a hands-on way to support local hunger relief while enjoying a rewarding community experience. Volunteers can expect to work outdoors in the fields or greenhouse. You'll learn about farming, food origins, and the fight against hunger while getting a little dirty and making new friends.
Field Trips & Youth Education
Field trips to Sharing the Harvest Community Farm give students a hands-on learning experience across five engaging stations. Students will explore pollinators, soil and compost, gardening skills, the farm’s mission and crops, and sensory connections with nature. Designed for small groups, the two-hour program combines education with fun, encouraging students to get outdoors, appreciate agriculture, and understand the importance of community farming.
Sharing the Harvest Community Farm Frequently Asked Questions
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