Harvest Hope Farm Donates Over 700 Pounds of Fresh Produce

A small farm near Moorhead, Minnesota, has made significant strides in promoting healthy eating among young children by donating over 700 pounds of fresh produce to Peace Academy Preschool in Fargo, North Dakota. This initiative is part of a broader effort to enhance nutrition education and encourage healthy habits among preschoolers.

Harvest Hope Farm received a state grant last year to construct a year-round growing dome, designed to optimize vegetable cultivation. The dome project was funded by a $15,000 grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program and an additional $50,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. With this support, the farm has dedicated its harvest from the dome to the preschool, aiming to improve the fiber content in the children’s diets and introduce them to a variety of fresh produce.

Among the items donated are peas, beans, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and squash. The collaboration not only provides nutritious food but also serves as a practical way to teach children about gardening, nutrition, and where their food comes from.

The preschool has also established a hydroponic garden, which contributes lettuce for the children. This dual approach to food cultivation highlights the importance of fresh produce and nutrition education in early childhood development.

Harvest Hope Farm plans to continue this partnership for the next two years, ensuring that all produce grown in the dome will be donated to Peace Academy Preschool. This commitment reflects a growing trend of local farms supporting community health initiatives, particularly in educational settings.

By focusing on providing healthy food options to children, Harvest Hope Farm is making a positive impact on their local community, fostering a culture of healthy eating that could last a lifetime.