Foodshed Alliance’s LocalShare Program is Donaldson Farms 2026 Season in the Spotlight Organization

Foodshed Alliance is proud to share that its LocalShare program has been named as the 2026 Season in the Spotlight organization at Donaldson Farms.

Since 1906, Donaldson Farms has been a cornerstone of New Jersey agriculture, growing from a small dairy operation into a vibrant, multi-generational farm rooted in community. Six generations later, they continue to grow fresh fruits and vegetables, welcome families to their farm, and create meaningful connections around local food.

Being recognized by a farm with such deep roots makes this especially meaningful.

Through LocalShare, Foodshed Alliance works alongside farm partners like Donaldson Farms to ensure that fresh, locally grown food reaches the people who need it most. Together, we:

• Glean surplus crops directly from the fields
• Support farmers by ensuring their hard work feeds people, not landfills
• Distribute fresh, local produce through Free Produce Pop-Up Markets and in partnership with hunger relief partners
• Pick up from farm surplus at farm store

This partnership reflects a shared belief: that good food should never go to waste and that strong communities are built through connection, care, and access.

Katie Donaldson shared:
“The LocalShare team has been working quietly yet passionately, literally behind the scenes at our farm market and many others, week after week, season after season, without expecting any recognition…

Featuring your important organization throughout the 2026 season is the perfect way to celebrate our 120th farm anniversary and the vital work of LocalShare. We hope it enlightens and inspires our community to learn more and to offer support in addressing food insecurity and related issues.”

Foodshed Alliance is a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening sustainable agriculture, expanding access to healthy, locally grown food, and protecting the environment. Through its community-driven LocalShare program, the organization partners with farmers, volunteers, and community groups to rescue surplus produce and distribute it to families with limited access across the region. By connecting what’s grown in our fields to the people who need it most, LocalShare reduces food waste, supports regional farmers, and helps build a more resilient and equitable local food system.

Katie Donaldson on why food access matters:
“Farmers gain customers, communities get healthier and more educated, and farmland has a better chance of surviving for future generations. Our family works hard to remain relevant. We take the responsibility of raising awareness of sustainability seriously and appreciate all who support local agriculture.”

From field to community, this is what collaboration looks like. Click below to support our work!