About Garden Harvest

What Have We Accomplished? 

Food Donations: In 1994 Garden Harvest, Inc. grew and gave away 35,277 pounds of fresh, organically-grown, top-quality produce. By 1996, our production/donations soared to 205,270 pounds of fruits and vegetables given to 46 organizations who, in turn, served approximately 800,000 individuals. And by 2001, production had again  increased to 355,000 lbs. donated to 105 agencies. Since then, our production & donations have averaged around 300,000 lbs. a year. In addition to that, in 2003, Garden Harvest began its egg distribution program, giving out several hundred dozen eggs from its free-range, pastured chickens.

We have planted and maintained a total of 700 fruit trees, which once fully mature will bear annually 100 - 150 lbs. apiece.  We have peaches, pears, cherries, plums, and paw paws.

Food Distribution  We have established an efficient system of food distribution throughout Maryland. To concentrate as much as possible on food production, we have encouraged agencies to come out to the farm to pick up, and the rest we deliver using our 20 ft. refrigerated truck and employing the sophisticated routes set up by one of our Americorps volunteers.  Further, we have compiled a list of over 300 additional emergency food agencies in Maryland that are on our waiting list  to receive Garden Harvest produce.


Education Program: Supported by the USDA and the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Garden Harvest has established its Education Program including the Children's Program serving local schools and after school programs, and the Young Adults Program, training youth in sustainable agriculture and in construction (carpentry, masonry, tile work).  Local as well as out of state Youth participate in this program. In addition, as part of our animal donation program, we offer training in animal husbandry to individuals from the rural counties of Appalachia so that they can learn how to produce their own food and possibly have a business selling that which they don't consume..

Children's Garden: We have established a quarter acre Children's Garden, used in field workshops for the school and after school children that participate in the Children's Education Program.  This garden  is a microcosm of the entire farm with plantings of vegetables, fruit, herbs, and flowers.

Volunteers: We have developed a solid and continuously expanding volunteer base of support, now over 5000 people contributing over 19,000 hours each year.  There are a number of reasons why volunteering at Garden Harvest is so popular: 

• The results of their efforts are so tangible and the impact that their participation has is so clearly measurable

• The work environment is so beautiful, uplifting, healthy, and safe, a place where kids as young as 5 can perform meaningful service;

• The capacity for large groups is virtually unlimited; with 100 acres, Garden Harvest often has several large groups working together, up to 600 at a time'
  The location, only 20 miles from Baltimore, is very convenient

• Because so many different groups work together,  volunteering at Garden Harvest is a great way to meet people with similar interests;
  
  Long Term Revenue Sources: 

•   We have  launched Garden Harvest's Internet based flower business, Bountiful Bouquets, which will be a major long term revenue source for the hunger program

• In addition, we are starting up our weekly Fundraising Day in June, 2004.

• We offer the convenience of online donations through our secure payment gateway; 

• We have established a  membership program through which individuals and organizations support the program