February 6, 2024
Milestones among Many for Nonprofit Focused on Ending Hunger
STERLING, Va. (February 5, 2024)—The JK Community Farm, a 150-acre farm in Purcellville, Virginia that grows crops and livestock and donates them to nonprofits to alleviate hunger, is celebrating its 5th anniversary with a major milestone. The nonprofit farm reached one million pounds of food donated since its inception, continuing its legacy as the nation’s largest chemical-free community farm. This coming year the farm anticipates producing enough food to create 980,000 healthy servings of food for those facing food insecurity.
“It is exciting to be part of the growth of the JK Community Farm and see its impact on fighting hunger in our region. In addition to growing crops, we are also working to engage the community through meaningful nonprofit partnerships, volunteer opportunities, field trips, and food education programs,” explained Samantha Kuhn, Executive Director, of JK Community Farm. “We look forward to the farm expanding, thriving, and serving even more people and the community in years to come.”
In year one, the farm grew 50,000 pounds of chemical-free food. Each year the farm has expanded its capacity, adding plots, raised beds, and high tunnels to increase production. This past year, the farm donated 248,000 pounds of crops and protein, pushing it past the one million pounds mark. The farm relies on a staff of three and teams of volunteers from companies, civic groups, and the public to grow and harvest. The farm started with 200 volunteers and last year had a volunteer force of 5,300.
With support from local companies and nonprofits, the farm meets the community’s expanding needs. Major donors include JK Moving Services, Truist, Charlson Bredehoft Cohen &Brown, Joseph E Roberts Charitable Trust, Joyce Van Lines, Virginia Easement Exchange, and more. In addition, the farm hosts an annual Plant-A-Thon, which raises needed funds as teams of volunteers plant nearly 30,000 seedlings that provide 100,000 nutrient-dense meals.
As part of its work to alleviate food insecurity and reduce chronic disease, the farm also educates people about food justice and healthy eating. This past year the farm developed a hands-on food education program to help kids and their families understand the connection between soil, plants, people, and health. The curriculum complements the farm’s field trip which sprouted during COVID and is now a staple for many schools.
JK Community Farm, a nonprofit started in 2018 seeks to have a lasting and healthy impact on struggling families within the Washington, DC region by growing and donating chemical-free, healthy produce and protein to those struggling with hunger. As the nation’s largest chemical-free community farm with 100% of its yield donated, which is distributed by nonprofit partners: Loudoun Hunger Relief, Food for Others, Arlington Food Assistance Center, and DC Central Kitchen. www.jkcommunityfarm.org
