Local Produce Link (LPL) is a New York State Department of Health Hunger Prevention Nutrition Assistance Program (NYSDOH HPNAP) grant-funded initiative that connects regional farmers with food-insecure communities in New York City. Using the community supported agriculture model, 9 farmers make weekly deliveries during the growing season to provide fresh produce to food pantries in the five boroughs. Designed with the hub-and-spoke concept, one food pantry serves as the hub host and receives 4-6 shares of vegetables during the June-November season. The host keeps a vegetable share while the hub's participating member food pantries pick up the remaining shares to distribute it to clients as part of a balanced food package. An important distinction of LPL is that the vegetables delivered are not gleaned or rescued; the farmers are all contracted with grant funds to grow crops for these pantry communities. Another unique aspect of the program is the relationship building that occurs between the pantry communities and the farmers who grow their food. There are annual farm trips when LPL staff invite pantry staff, volunteers, and clients as a group to visit the farms located in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut to learn about responsible growing practices directly from their farmers. This image was captured in August 2017 at Golden Earthworm Farm in Jamesport, New York. Following a picnic lunch, farmers Matt Kurek and Maggie Wood provided a tour of their acreage including fields planted with peppers, eggplant and tomatoes. Fatimah was thrilled to pick this tomato, cradling it like a precious gift!
By downloading this image, you agree to use the photo within the context that it was taken. You also agree to never use it for commercial purposes. The image always belongs to the original photographer and should be attributed to the photographer and Center for a Livable Future Food Policy Networks Photo Contest. Image credit: United Way of New York City; CLF Food Policy Networks Photo Contest, 2017