GLEANINGS: n. 1. That which has been acquired by gleaning. 2. The monthly eNewsletter of CT NOFA. [Glean:v. 1. to gather relevant information or material by patient effort, bit by bit; to find out. 2. to gather grain or other produce (often: left by reapers); to harvest.]

Holcomb Farm
West Granby, Connecticut

Area Seniors Benefit From Nature’s Bounty
17,700 Pounds Donated Through Fresh Access

Part of the original – and ongoing – mission of Holcomb Farm has been to supply fresh produce to Granby and Hartford families, especially those who have limited access to healthy vegetables.  Since 1993 the program we call Fresh Access has been supplying one of our most vulnerable populations – seniors with limited mobility, finite resources and increased nutritional needs – with healthy, locally grown food.  Originally supported by state funding (now terminated), this past year Holcomb Farm reached out to our local community for assistance – and they came through!

In 2010, Holcomb Farm donated 17,700 pounds of fresh, healthy vegetables grown through the Fresh Access program.  This was due to the generosity of over 127 families who supported our Fresh Access drive, many of whom are Holcomb Farm CSA members.  We would like to especially thank Granby’s First Congregational Church, who very generously supported this program throughout the year.

To deliver the Fresh Access produce, Holcomb Farm partnered with social service agencies and area senior centers.  These centers are a great way to distribute our just picked, pesticide free vegetables, since seniors, many with limited mobility, already gather there for other activities and community.  Beneficiaries of Fresh Access produce this past year included seniors at Granby Senior Center and Hartford’s North End Senior Center and Hispanic Senior Center.  Over 150 senior families each received 20 weeks of vegetables, direct from the farm, to supplement their diets.  A portion of Fresh Access produce also went to emergency outlets through Food Share and to the wider community through the Granby Community Kitchen.

For the past year these deserving populations have benefited from the generosity of your donations.  For all of your help – thank you!

Holcomb Farm is anticipating another bountiful growing season in 2011.  Please give what you can to share some of this bounty with those who need it most.  To support the Fresh Access program, contact us at 860-844-8616 or donate online.

photos:
Upper - Juanita O'Bryant & Rebecca Henton at the Hartford North End Senior Center
Lower - Maria Tonseth & Dr. John Hitchiner in the Granby Community Kitchen