An Oasis Grows in Lynn, MA

Imagine a city where food is grown just two blocks from where you buy it, and it’s possible to stop and chat with the farmers on your way to the market. Well, you’re imagining the North Shore city of Lynn, MA! This summer, Urban Grower Bob Burns worked with about 50 teenagers and dozens of volunteers to turn an empty quarter-acre lot into our newest farm. On our blog you can read more and view an amazingly detailed GigaPan panoramic photo of the farm. The site, provided by Oasis Development, is on Munroe Street adjacent to our office and only blocks from our Central Square Farmers’ Market.

Growing Together, Building Community

Even as the days grow dark, our Build-a-Garden initiative forges ahead! Entering its fourth year, our youth have begun to install 200 raised beds that will provide home gardens for residents of Boston and Lynn next summer. But the season can’t end without sharing reflections from this year’s garden recipients: “Not only did my garden flourish beyond my expectations, but my 7-year old grand niece helped with planting, watching things grow and caring for it as well. She enjoyed eating the tomatoes, lettuce, carrots & beans. This was a wonderful bonding experience for the two of us. We also grew enough to share with other family members and friends; it's amazing what can be grown in a 4'x8' space!” Read more stories and see photos of 2009 gardeners.

1200+ Volunteers Bring in the Bounty with Food Project Youth and Staff

From schoolchildren to college, corporate and community groups, over 1200 volunteers became active participants in a local, sustainable food system this fall, helping harvest thousands of pounds of fresh produce such as beets, carrots, and greens. Volunteers left our farms with a new understanding of how agriculture can strengthen communities, build bridges, and contribute to the health of the planet. TFP youth developed their leadership skills and shared their own passion, hosting about one-third of these volunteers on Saturday mornings.

Extra! Extra! Raised Beds and More in the News

The Food Project’s message continues to spread far and wide with ample media attention. Last week, one of our raised bed gardens graced the front page of the Boston Globe. Anna Lappé recently narrated a video about us on MSN’s Practical Guide to Healthy Living and Chef Jody Adams of Rialto fame wrote an insightful piece about her Guerilla Grilling visit to our Lincoln farm.