Published On: December 16, 2024Categories: Organization News, Programs, Projects927 words4.7 min read

Our Journey in 2024: Strengthening Farms, Feeding Communities

Thank You for Growing with Us

We are deeply grateful for our donors, volunteers, and community partners who have made our work possible. Together, we’re building a stronger, healthier future for everyone.

As we step into 2025, we invite you to continue this journey with us. Your donations, time, and advocacy make all the difference.

Reflecting on 2024: Growing Together for a Stronger Food System

As 2024 draws to a close, we celebrate the collective impact we’ve made possible together. This year, we’ve worked to strengthen farms, connect families with fresh, local food, and champion sustainable practices that protect our environment and communities.

Our 2024 Snapshot:

  • Stewarding Farmer Viability: Expanding the SAgE Program
    Launched in 2019, our SAgE program has flourished, now supporting 13 farmers across 100 acres of preserved farmland in three counties in northern New Jersey. By offering 10-year renewable leases, we provide farmers with the stability and resources needed to cultivate organic and regenerative crops. This program not only strengthens the long-term viability of local farming but also ensures that New Jersey’s farmland remains productive and sustainable for generations to come.
  • Fresh Food for 2,800+ Families
    Through the LocalShare program, we glean surplus food from farms and distribute it free of charge to food pantries and families in need. Additionally, our Farm to Pantry Purchase initiative, a collaboration between LocalShare, SAgE, and NORWESCAP, leverages federal grant funding to purchase fresh, locally grown produce for pantry partners. Together, these efforts not only strengthen local food security but also provide vital support to farmers by ensuring their surplus crops find a meaningful purpose.

  • 1 Million Pounds of Produce: A Program Milestone
    Since its inception in 2013, LocalShare volunteers have harvested over 1 million pounds of produce from local farms—enough to serve more than 4 million meals. This collective impact highlights the power of community and collaboration in addressing our neighbors with limited food access.

  • Paulinskill Watershed Stewardship
    This year, we expanded efforts to protect the Paulinskill Watershed, a vital natural resource, by fostering sustainable farming practices and increasing community awareness of its ecological importance. These efforts ensure the long-term health of this critical watershed for future generations.

  • Building a Resilient Grains Economy
    The Grains Project supported local farmers in growing and marketing heritage grains, strengthening food sovereignty and diversifying farm revenue streams. By connecting farmers to emerging markets, this project is creating new opportunities in sustainable agriculture.

  • Collaborative Leadership: A Voice at the State Level
    We were awarded a delegate seat at the New Jersey Agricultural Convention, providing a platform to actively shape agricultural policies, advocate for sustainable farming practices, and represent local farmers at the state level. This important role ensures that the needs of our farming communities are addressed in state decision-making.

  • Community Connections at the Blairstown Farmers Market
    The Blairstown Farmers Market continued to thrive as a vibrant gathering space, offering fresh food, local goods, and a place for neighbors to connect. Supporting both farmers and families, the market exemplifies the strength of community-driven food systems.

Looking ahead to 2025

As we look to the future, our focus remains on creating opportunities for all farmers and fostering a resilient, sustainable food system:

Expanding Land and Market Access for All Farmers
We are committed to breaking down barriers to land and market access, particularly for BIPOC and historically underserved farmers. By ensuring that all farmers—regardless of background—have the tools, resources, and support needed to grow sustainable, regenerative crops, we can foster a more inclusive, equitable food system.

Advancing the Wild and Scenic Rivers Designation
We’ll continue working with our partners to secure this important designation for the Paulinskill Watershed, ensuring its protection and long-term sustainability for the benefit of our environment and communities.

Collaborative Leadership and Advocacy
With our delegate seat at the New Jersey Agricultural Convention, we will advocate for policies that support natural, regenerative, and beginning farmers, as well as food security initiatives. This work will help ensure a resilient local food system that benefits all members of our communities.

Elizabeth presenting to group in grain field.

Join Us to Make 2025 a Year of Impact

Together, we can create a sustainable future for local farms, increase access to healthy food, and protect our environment for future generations.

🌱 Donate today: Your support fuels this work and helps us continue to build a stronger, healthier future for all.

 

Ashlee Stampf, MSW, LCSW Social Worker
Weight Management Services St. Luke’s University Health Network

“We greatly value the programs that the Foodshed Alliance provides, and our Weight Management patients have particularly benefited from the LocalShare pop-up market. Reducing food waste by offering free, healthy, fresh produce, along with nutrition education to those in need, aligns perfectly with our mission of combating obesity through education, nutrition, and activity. In the spirit of advancing these shared goals, we are thrilled to donate the proceeds from our 6th Annual Healthy Steps @ Any Size 5K to the Foodshed Alliance.”

John Johnson Auto Group

“The John Johnson Auto Group and LocalShare Program as well as the Foodshed Alliance have had a partnership for more than a decade! There is a great feeling you get knowing you are making a real difference in the lives of people. When it comes to LocalShare and the Foodshed Alliance, it’s not just a feeling. It’s seeing the hard work and dedication each volunteer has to help a tremendous need – hunger.

The entire team at John Johnson Auto Group have a passion for giving back to the community. We are looking forward to the next decade of supporting the selfless efforts of LocalShare and the Foodshed Alliance.”

Learn how you can support the Foodshed Alliance

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