Our project started in 2008 when Master Gardener-trained Bill Zimmer and Norm Knaub cultivated gardens on their properties to grow produce to donate to area food banks. They continued on this path for 10 years, using their own funds and resources.

In 2018, Ken Lipson offered to use a portion of his property to grow food for the hungry and joined their effort. In 2019, we harvested 25,000 lbs. of fruit and vegetables (1/2 grown by Penn State) and donated all to Centre County charity food distribution programs.

COVID-19 hit in 2020, Despite the adjustments required, Ken and Bill were able to expand their fields to maximize their output. The volunteer base of TWnM grew to over 50 people. Our grower locations increased to 5 and the Centre County food distribution centers we support to 19, as we grew over 15,000 lbs. of produce for the food insecure.

In 2021, we had the benefit of our first group volunteering days. Our output reached 33,000 lbs. with contributions from additional gardeners, including 1 acre of sweet corn from our newest field on Fox Hill Road.

2022 started with great promise. We incorporated as a 501(C)(3) non-profit and gained access to 2 orchards, only to see a late Spring frost severely diminish our harvest.  A mid-summer drought had a big impact on our crop output, but we were still able to deliver 22,000 lbs. of vegetables and fruit.

2023 and 2024 were our 2 best years ever, with 41,000 and 46,000 lbs. of fruit and vegetables grown and donated. Kari and Tom Reyburn, and Edie Binkley assumed leadership roles in field activities and the coordination of volunteers and distribution.

Our history is a story of community support.

Growers and volunteers are the backbone of our effort, but our program would not exist at its current level without the financial and advisory support from Centre County business, philanthropic, religious and education organizations.

As a founding supporter, funding for a major portion of our seeds, seedlings, equipment, and supplies was provided by the University Park Plaza Corporation. A donor who wishes to remain anonymous has recently become the largest source of continued financial support for our efforts. We are extremely grateful for the funding we received from 100+ Women Who Care – Centre County, Aramco Americas Corporation, Centre Foundation and the Red Oak Foundation.

Many others have helped us along the way with the donation of land, money, equipment, goods and services, whose support we gratefully acknowledge.

VISION

Provide fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit for free as part of our effort to eliminate food insecurity primarily within Centre County, PA.

MISSION

  • Expand the amount and type of fruit and vegetables grown and harvested to better meet the needs and preferences of the clients of our distribution partners.
  • Increase volunteer support and funding to plant, grow, and deliver sustainable annual harvests.
  • Optimize the use of distribution partners to efficiently reach the greatest number of individuals in need.

VALUES

  • Engage a wide range of individuals and organizations within our local communities.
  • Respect and value the unique capabilities of all who support the program.
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Board Officers

Bill is President and coordinator of all the growers. He is Master Gardener trained and has been growing for the local Food Banks, along with Norm Knaub, for the last 14 years. He provides overall direction as to what is planted, when things are planted and who grows them, how to properly maintain the crops, and when harvesting is optimum. He is a primary liaison with the community organizations that provide funding and volunteer support.

Kari is our Vice President and program coordinator. She is an active Penn State Master Gardener and leads our efforts with planning, seed propagation, planting and harvesting.  She has many years of volunteer experience of various types and is currently on the board of directors of the Boalsburg Village Conservancy and the Nittany Highland Pipe Band.

Ken is the Treasurer and originator of the “Think We, not Me” community movement. Years earlier, it was suggested he contact master gardener Bill Zimmer and he posted this message. It became one of the proudest & most fulfilling things he has done in his life:

“Looking for help and ideas…I have 6 cleared field acres along Boal Ave. and wish to eventually use an acre to grow crop/food and donate all locally to the county food banks……I have a tractor, some funding dollars to get it off the ground, & a desire, but don’t have the real knowledge as to farming & field preparation.…any who wish to join me, noodle ideas around & be part of it in any way are welcome. A pipe dream? Perhaps….. but I throw it out there and invite anyone interested to get ‘We, Not Me’ off the ground.”

Edie is our Secretary and volunteer and distribution coordinator. She has extensive experience working with nonprofits and is involved with various community organizations. Edie has been instrumental in securing groups of volunteers from these organizations and local schools and religious organizations.

Growers

Bill has about ½ acre under management and a 12-tree fruit orchard. He grows some of the more challenging produce to include Canary and Crenshaw melons, cauliflower, seedless watermelons, and assorted red, yellow and orange peppers. Bill also arranges for the growing and purchasing of over 4000 seedlings to be grown by all participants.

This is one of the larger gardens in the TWnM Community Food Growing Program. Last year this land provided 6,000 lbs. of produce for the county food banks, growing peppers, eggplant, multiple squash, melons and more.  The location also serves as a primary distribution location for pickup and delivery.

Norm is one of the original growers that started the group preceding our Think We, not Me Community Food Growing Program. Norm is a Centre County Master Gardener who serves as Co-chair of their project to distribute vegetable seedlings to the local Food Banks. While gardening is Norm’s passion, he is passionate about teaching others the joys of gardening. His home gardens are a showcase for various seminars and classes.

This 2-acre field near the Airport was made available by the University Park Plaza Corporation. The organization has arranged for water service and equipment to maintain the sweet corn that will be planted. The property is planted and maintained by Don Irvin.

Kuhns Tree Farm is a family-owned farm seven miles east of State College, PA. that has been in business for nearly 40 years, providing families with the perfect tree and lasting memories every Christmas season.  Marianne Kuhns has generously offered several acres of her property for the cultivation of potatoes and corn. With extensive support from farm manager Doug Banker, we have delivered many thousands of pounds of produce from our effort here.

 

Pastor Dan has graciously donated the use of an acre of the church grounds for the cultivation of potatoes. We look forward to partnering with the congregation in support of their mission to “live out the Gospel by connecting people to Christ, Community and their Calling”.    

Cramer Farm is a CSA located in Howard PA. They have been in business for 25 years and have extensive knowledge and expertise that they are happy to share with us. They have graciously agreed to grow carrots, onions and watermelons. 

Oliver’s path is an organic farm located in Warriors Mark, PA. They will grow carrots and sweet potatoes as well as many of our seedlings in one of their greenhouses.
 

2024

Our Best Year Ever!

46,000 lbs. Grown…20 different Items.

  • 9 primary growers produced 30,000 lbs. on 6 acres.
  • 3 orchards provided 16,000 lbs. of fruit.

Planted and Harvested by a Dedicated Group of Volunteers

  • 50 individuals and groups.
  • Well over 2000 hours of service time.
  • Group volunteering is integral to our performance.

And delivered to 22 Distribution Partners

  • 6 partners handled 80% of available produce… largest food banks in Centre County.
  • Smaller community groups reach a variety of clients with fresh and prepared foods.

With New Partners and Possibilities!

  • “Feeding Pennsylvania” PASS program supplements our funding.
  • Farmers with surplus crops were a new partner in our efforts.

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