The Giving Fields
On Friday, July 26th join the Bank of Kentucky for their second annual Community Outreach Golf Outing at Twin Oaks Golf & Plantation Club in Latonia, Kentucky. This year’s outing will benefit the Freestore Foodbank’s Giving Fields program. The Giving Fields is a community farm where fresh produce is harvested and distributed to our neighbors in need. Registration for a foursome is $500 and includes 18 holes of golf, lunch, and dinner. Or if you can’t make it on July 26th you can still sponsor the event! Reserve your spot by contacting Grace Penn at gpenn@bankofky.com.
For many people in the community, hunger and food insecurity are a harsh reality. Thousands of working adults, children, and seniors in our region are struggling with hunger and poverty every day. 17.3% of those living in Kentucky and 18.1% in Ohio are food insecure – both higher than the 16.1% nationwide.
What is the Giving Fields?
The Giving Fields is a community farm that helps alleviate hunger in the community by growing fresh produce for Northern Kentucky agencies of the Freestore Foodbank. A project operated in partnership between Freestore Foodbank, Doug and Sheila Bray, the Campbell County Cooperative Extension, and Northern Kentucky member agencies, the Giving Fields is entering its third season of operation.
The Brays acquired the fields several years ago and with the help of the community and many volunteers, it has become a thriving farm producing fresh fruit and vegetables to neighbors in need. Tom and Lisa Rowe, long time volunteers at the Giving Fields, jumped in with both feet two years ago, excited to be a part of this project. “I was born with the gift of gab,” says Lisa, “by organizing and motivating volunteers, I’m doing my part in growing our community.”
Who Receives the Produce?
In 2012, the Giving Fields expanded to growing 6 acres of primarily tomatoes, peppers, greens, onions, and cucumbers. In 2012, the nearly 170,000 pounds of produce went to many Northern Kentucky agencies: Be Concerned, Brighton Center, Rose Garden Mission, Northern KY Community Action, St. John’s, Action Ministries, Hosea House, St. Paul’s, and St. Bernard’s.
As soon as the fresh produce is harvested, it arrives at member agencies that day – still warm from the sun!
You Can Help Too!
You’re never too old to play in the dirt! The Giving Fields is able to run primarily because of the vast amount of volunteers who help during the season. We always need volunteers to help plan, organize, plant, water, maintain, and harvest the fields – primarily from Mid-June through August. No experience is required. The Giving Fields welcomes kids, families, as well as large groups or organizations.
“Volunteering at the Giving Fields makes you part of a living, breathing part of this effort – from seed to table, you’re not just helping feed the hungry members of our community but nourishing them as well.” – Sarah Celenza, Community Partnership Manager
Additionally, we are gladly collecting supplies for irrigation, fencing, plants, fertilizers, tools, and other gardening equipment. Please consider donating supplies or funds to contribute to this community effort.
Located on the banks of the Ohio River in Melbourne, Kentucky, the Giving Fields is about 10 minutes east of downtown Cincinnati:
101 Anderson Avenue,
Melbourne, KY, 41059
If you’re interested in joining this effort, please contact our volunteer services: 513-482-7550
For more information or questions about the Giving Fields, please contact Sarah Celenza: scelenza@freestorefoodbank.org
