JK Community Farm and HITT Contracting team up for new play zone, acreage sponsorship

The new play zone is part of JK Community Farm’s community engagement efforts to add educational programs for all ages.

“We work to alleviate hunger by improving access to healthy food. As part of this, we are also focused on cultivating the next generation’s understanding of where food comes from, how it’s grown, and why nutrition and stewardship matter,” JK Community Farm Executive Director Samantha Kuhn said in a statement. “HITT is partnering with us to support these goals. As funding for food programs is getting cut for nonprofits and clients alike, corporate support is more critical than ever, and we are grateful to HITT for investing in us and the families we serve.”

As an acreage sponsor, HITT sponsors all costs associated with growing on HITT’s acre.

Last year, more than 6,700 volunteers helped grow and harvest more than 247,000 pounds of fresh, organic produce and protein that was donated to local food banks.

“Community engagement is at the heart of who we are at HITT. Supporting JK Community Farm is a meaningful way for us to live out our core value, Be the Good, not only through financial support, but by showing up, getting our hands dirty, and helping expand access to healthy food and hands-on education for local families,” HITT Senior Vice President Ashley Campbell said in a statement. “This partnership reflects our belief that building stronger communities starts with investing in people,”

The HITT Play Zone will be part of the farm’s nature playscape within its new Outdoor Food Learning Center.

Designed for the farm’s field trip students and youth volunteers, the center will include an outdoor classroom and an educational space for sensory exploration. The JK Community Farm hosts 3,000 students each season for education through its field trip program.