Providence, RI — Nonprofit local food hub Farm Fresh Rhode Island was the recipient of a new refrigerated van donated by the Lions Club International Foundation in conjunction with a statewide effort from local Rhode Island Lions Club members to raise over $65,000 for the purchase of the vehicle. Farm Fresh RI will use this van for their Hope’s Harvest program, which mobilizes volunteers to harvest surplus fruits and vegetables from farms for distribution to hunger relief agencies throughout Rhode Island.
“Lion’s Club members have been huge supporters of the Hope’s Harvest program for many years and we’re deeply grateful for their time, energy, and commitment to bringing fresh, locally grown food to our neighbors in need,” Farm Fresh RI’s Director of Value Chain Strategy, Eva Agudelo, explained. “The Lion’s Club and Farm Fresh RI share a dedication to local businesses and celebrating the many ways they contribute to a healthier, happier community.”
Lions Club Member Nancy Reiter said, “Rhode Island Lions are proud to honor their legacy of service by partnering with Hope’s Harvest and Farm Fresh RI to feed our neighbors in need. When we approached the Lions Club International Foundation for a grant toward this purchase, they responded that this was just the kind of project that they wanted to support.”
Farm Fresh RI will host a handoff ceremony on November 4th at 12pm during their year-round farmers market at 10 Sims Avenue in Providence. Media and the public are welcome to celebrate this important gift.
About Farm Fresh Rhode Island
Begun in 2004 as a student thesis project at Brown University, Farm Fresh RI has grown briskly to capture the public interest in locally grown food and translate it into sales for RI farmers and producers. Strongly mission-driven, Farm Fresh achieved 501c3 status in 2007, and has since implemented a variety of programs to enhance the local food system of the New England region, with particular attention to farm viability and low-income access to fresh food. Farm Fresh RI operates a wide range of marketplace programs (retail, wholesale, gleaning, processing, hunger relief) that engage and connect Rhode Island eaters with local farmers and producers. Learn more at farmfreshri.org.
