Harford Land Trust (HLT), a local land preservation non-profit, recently launched Harford Harvest, an initiative to raise funds for land preservation and feed neighbors in need.
Harford Harvest is a virtual campaign taking place throughout October. HLT aims to raise awareness about the dependency between accessible and reliable local food and the protected farmland on which it is grown.
Harford Harvest replaces HLT’s annual Harvest Moon Dinner & Auction event, its most important fundraiser.
“Early in the pandemic, we were alarmed by national food supply chain disruptions and the increase in local food insecurity,” said HLT Executive Director Kristin Kirkwood. “There has never been a more important time to increase our support for local farmers that provide us with a wealth of fresh, readily available food grown right here in Harford County.”
Proceeds from Harford Harvest will support the nonprofit’s mission of permanently protecting Harford County’s valuable natural resources, including productive farmland. To address immediate and increased food needs in the community, half (50%) of all Harford Harvest proceeds will be distributed to over 100 Harford County food pantries through HLT’s partnership with the Harford Community Action Agency (HCAA) and Mason-Dixon Community Services (MDCS).
“Beginning in March and overnight, HCAA saw a clear and very scary intersections of need and fear,” said Pamela (“PJ”) Craig, Executive Director of HCAA. “Less food and more people provided a challenge. We rely on the local growers now more than ever to ensure that our food needs are met.”
Throughout the month of October, HLT will be sharing information about the importance of local agriculture and its dependence on preserved farmland. HLT also plans to facilitate connections between local food producers and agencies providing emergency food services.
Community members interested in supporting Harford Harvest are invited to visit the Harford Harvest website (https://secure.qgiv.com/event/harfordharvest2020/) to make a donation or register to create an individual or team fundraiser page.
Harford Harvest is made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of BGE, the Office of County Executive Barry Glassman, Klein’s ShopRite, The Kelly Group, Watershed Environmental, Jim and Sarah Morris, GreenVest, Foxborough Nursery, Chesapeake Bay Trust, Dillon and Heather Yeung, Ecotone, O’Neill Enterprises, APGFCU, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, PNC Bank, Healthy Harford, Jeff and Jo Tyson, Jarrettsville Federal, Forest Hill Business Airpark, Bartlett Tree Experts, Wegman’s, M&T Bank, and The Mill.
