The Farm adheres to their mission to serve those that are hungry. But the farm also feeds the minds of those that volunteer knowing that they are servant leaders doing the Lords work. The Farm fosters a wonderful sense of community and compassion. Perhaps one of my greatest experiences is working with young volunteers from Baltimore city, many have never been out of the city, who initially are overwhelmed by the big open spaces, the farm animals and farm equipment. Once they plant or harvest ( it’s hard work) look up at me and “ can we come back”. We have planted a seed in these young kids. It’s wonderful!
First Fruits Farm is a Christ-centered farm ministry offering free food to many partners. The organization is operated by a small staff to coordinate and plan what, and how to plant the crops and manage the harvest and thousands of volunteers needed to operate. The work is hard but satisfying knowing that our efforts are making a difference in the lives of the food-challenged. It is easy to signup online to volunteer for a 2 1/2 - 3 hour block of labor. It has been a joy to participate in this effort.
First Fruits Farm is my Disney World---my happiest place on Earth. From the moment I pull onto the property and see the three crosses, I know I am right where I'm meant to be. When in the fields, it's amazing when Ben announces to all of the volunteers how many pounds of food they harvested that day and how many people will be fed due to their hard work. This joy is like no other. In the distribution center, I am able to meet and pray with the many partners who share with us how they support their communities through the blessings from the farm. We've become like one family supporting each other any way we can.
And it all is due to the grace of God as He always finds a way to provide so we can GROW MORE-GIVE MORE- SERVE MORE.
A very well managed organization operating a farm that grows numerous types of fresh produce for free distribution to those in need. Food is distributed through a large network of pre-screened partners serving communities in Maryland and surrounding states. The farm also actively solicits surplus food donations from numerous suppliers and manufacturers and distributes these donations year-round. The farm is managed by very competent and knowledgeable staff. Produce production/food distribution has increased significantly year to year. Likewise, farm acreage has increased, and facilities/buildings are expanded and improved to support the growing farm operations. A Board of Directors, whose members are experienced in non-profit food distribution provides guidance and establishes long term goals in conjunction with the farm CEO, CFO and staff. The farm depends on a group of dedicated "core" volunteers (of which I am one) to assist year-round with daily farm operations including facility maintenance, food distribution, and crop planting/harvesting support and oversight. In addition, each year literally thousands of additional volunteers from area businesses, schools, churches, and other organizations play a vital role planting, harvesting, and packaging farm grown produce for distribution. This is a great place to provide your financial support, and you can be assured that your donations will be efficiently managed and put to good use.
I started volunteering at FFF 2 months after my husband passed away. He suffered from dementia for several years and I had been his primary caregiver. When he died, I suddenly had no real purpose in life and the days were incredibly long and lonely. I had always wanted to do some kind of volunteer work but somehow never could find the time. Working full time, raising a family then caring for aging parents and finally my husband's illness had delayed that effort. I knew this was finally the time to start giving back but where and how?
A friend suggested I checkout First Fruits Farm. After reviewing the website I thought the farm would be the perfect place for me. I found more than I could imagined. People of all ages were giving their time and hard work towards feeding folks in need. What is more basic than that?
The farm gives away all the fresh produce it grows in addition to other foodstuffs that are donated by it's partners, like H&S Bakery and Hanover Foods. Nothing is sold, it is simply given to those in need. FFF works with over 300 partners such as food banks, churches, schools and other community organizations. The farm is a source of fresh food for many who would not have access otherwise. Because everything is given away, the farm relies on volunteers to harvest, pack and help distribute food. Over 15,000 volunteers aid in this effort each harvest season. People of all ages and all backgrounds work together to fulfill the mission Jesus gives us to feed the hungry. This is truly amazing!
I found purpose again and I also found friendship, understanding, joy and hope. The staff at the farm value each and every volunteer. You are immediately made to feel welcomed and cared for. There are young and old alike being the hands and voice of Jesus, ministering to all of God's children, including me. I've been blessed to experience so much at the farm from harvesting and packaging to loading vehicles and chatting with recipients. Every job is appreciated and will make a difference. What better way to show gratitude to God in our own lives than by striving to improve someone else's?
Volunteering at First Fruits Farm has giving me purpose. There's something deeply fulfilling about engaging in manual labor, knowing that the work I do directly helps others in need.
What makes this experience even more special is the Christian fellowship I share with my fellow volunteers. Working alongside like-minded people who are committed to serving others and living out their faith creates a sense of unity.
Serving at First Fruits Farm for 5 years has been my privilege, first as a member of the harvesting team and lately as a member of the distribution team. First Fruits Farm has been a blessing to many people in the Baltimore metropolitan area and beyond. It gives me great pleasure to see not only the giving of millions of pounds of farm fresh food to food-challenged people but to see how many thousands of volunteers come to the farm every year to move the food from the fields to the pantries. The farm could not operate without the volunteers that come in droves (in every age and ability) to feed their neighbors. God is at work in our world and His presence is certainly felt at First Fruits Farm.
We began serving at the farm over ten years ago with our homeschool co-op. We have enjoyed getting into the dirt and finding a tangible way to serve those around us as a team. My family has continued to visit and the farm keeps getting better and better with time! God is in this place!
I came to the farm about four years ago as a way to involve my special needs son in meaningful work through volunteering. The lesson I wanted to teach my son was simple. Regardless of a person's limitation, there is always something a person can do to give back. Participating in the planting, harvesting, and distribution of healthy food to those who find themselves struggling to feed their families is Kingdom work. As I have worked along side of my son, I have seen him blossom into a generous young man who loves God and through his effort, reflects the love of Jesus to those whom he meets.
I have been privileged to work in all sorts of roles at FFF. I have worked with students to teach them about farming and the land, I have worked in the fields with harvest, and have brought groups to FFF to share the experience . FFF is like a family who has opened its heart to provide for the community. When one works there, you feel the spirit of love doing the work of God. I also deliver produce to the community through a FFF partnership with The Reisterstown Community Crisis Center. The clients are so excited to receive the bounty from FFF. Being able to have fresh tomatoes, cabbage, cucumbers or whatever is ripe is enthusiastically accepted. I am lucky to be able to see the process from the seed to the hands of people who need and appreciate the food.
First Fruits Farm is an amazing organization that serves the community well. The hearts of those who run this organization are that of love and caring for EVERYONE they come in contact with. They are always looking for ways to serve and do more for others which leads to more fresh produce being grown to give out. I love that they also encourage others to serve others by offering volunteering opportunities.