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.