Sign In
Upcoming Event
Free Newsletter
Nonprofit plants first crop at York City farm, eyes bigger 2017
David O'Connor//August 17, 2016
York Fresh Food Farms, a nonprofit, has established an urban demonstration farm on a 1-acre site at 150 Willis Road, within York’s Parkway Homes development.
The land, provided by York’s Housing Authority, has been vacant for more than 50 years.
“It’s about growing fresh, nutritious food to feed people, and increasing access to local produce within the city,” Bruce Manns, the farm manager, said in a news release.
This fall’s crops will include beans, beets, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, squash and onions. Most of the fall harvest will be given away to local food pantries for distribution to those in need, organizers said.
With a full seven-month growing season on tap for 2017, York Fresh Food Farms plans to operate a mobile produce market, a step van converted into a farm stand on wheels, selling a full range of fruits and vegetables in York’s neighborhoods and providing nutrition education for families.
SNAP and WIC will be accepted by York Fresh Food Farms.
Increasing the availability of healthy foods to all residents is a goal of York’s mayor, Kim Bracey.
The farm will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, Aug. 30 from 6 to 8 p.m. It will be “an opportunity to see the farm operation, meet the farm manager, sample local vegetables and fruit and try healthy snacks,” the news release added. Rain date is Aug. 31.
