News & Happenings from the Farm

From the Ground Up

Farming Ministry Produces Results
Amid Extraordinary Circumstances of 2020

Food insecurity ramped up in 2020 due to economic challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, making the work of our Monocacy Farm Project in Bethlehem, Pa., more crucial than ever.

Through its Grow Healthy Community initiative, the farm provides fresh produce to a dozen soup kitchens, food pantries and shelters throughout Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley, some of which saw the demand for food and services double in the past year. The farm also partnered with St. Francis Center for Renewal in hosting a food drive in early summer to help supplement local food pantries.

“Overall, our harvest was robust with high mid-summer support from our volunteers,” says Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster, project director. “Led by our new project manager, Eli Stogsdill, we provided several tons of produce in an ongoing, steady supply of donations to our partners in the emergency food system.”

This very tangible impact came during a year when MFP was chosen as the 2020 Social Mission Partner of Fig Bethlehem, a publication that “energizes a thriving, sustainable local economy and highlights community revitalization efforts.”

“In shining a light on the Monocacy Farm Project, Fig illuminates the urgent needs of underserved communities and of the Earth — our common home,” says Sister Bonnie Marie.

The broad community threw its weight behind MFP too, as measured by the success of two fall fundraisers — Pairing with a Cause, co-sponsored by Embassy Bank and nearby Black River Farms Vineyard & Winery, and the fifth annual Monocacy Farm Food Festival, which moved entirely online this year to auction food, farming and family-friendly items.

The farm’s fastest growing effort is its Pick-Your-Own program, which welcomes area residents to the farm three times a week during the growing season to pick fresh vegetables and wildflowers in exchange for a donation. All donations benefit Grow Healthy Community.

MFP is cultivating its future, as well, partnering with Middle Atlantic Renewable Energy Association on solar panel installation to power the farm and reduce costs. In addition, renovations are planned to an existing building that will house a cultivating tractor, implements and field supplies.

2020: An Exciting Year of Firsts on the Farm