Downtown Harvest's mission is to promote stewardship of the earth through our support of local, organic farming and to build community relationships and spirituality.
Downtown Harvest commits to:
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Provide weekly fresh produce throughout the season. |
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Ensure that our crops are weekly harvested as close to the pick-up times as possible so that members receive the freshest produce. |
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Promote best use of the earth's natural resources. |
New memberships are completely filled for the 2008 season. Applications for new memberships not already acknowledged will be promptly returned. Welcome to both new and returning Downtown Harvest members and thank you for your continued support!
Sharing the Harvest
Through donations, several shares are provided to the Mary House Emergency Food Pantry of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in Jersey City. In addition, all unclaimed produce at the end of each delivery night are also given to OLS for distribution to those in need of a 'life raft.' Many members have met Sister Alice during their volunteer night and have loaded her van at the close of the evening. On January 4th 2008 Sister Alice wrote,
Dear Dear Meg and Colleagues,
On behalf of all in Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Family, I would like to express our appreciation for your support in 2007. Your Gift of organically grown vegetables and herbs all through this past growing season has been a blessing for our Emergency Food Pantry. this partnership with us in out efforts to reach out to those who are in need in out community has enabled us to do so much more than we ever could have hoped.
During this year we were able to respond to more than 1,000 requests for Emergency Food Assistance. This helped some 459 families, including 458 children. High rents and utility costs have made it increasingly more difficult to cover family nutrition expenses. With most rents well in excess of $800 per month and rental subsidies decreasing annually, salaries and/or public assistance allotments simply cannot provide for what is necessary.
At a time when there is so much darkness in our world, your generosity and compassion have brought such light. May your 2008 be blessed in turn with the satisfaction of knowing that you have made a positive difference in the lives of many people.
Gratefully,
Sister Alice McCoy, O.P.
Pastoral Associate