On Monday, August 9th, local chefs from our favorite worker-owned cooperative and Hope’s Harvest RI sponsor, The Newport Restaurant Group got their hands dirty at Four Town Farm, digging up over a ton (!) of carrots and cucumbers for our partner agencies.
The group joined Hope’s Harvest RI volunteers to rescue 2,460 pounds of carrots and 1,200 pounds of cucumbers in record time. This produce was then distributed by Hope’s Harvest RI staff to a number of emergency food providers throughout the week, including The Elisha Project , The Rhode Island Community Food Bank , and the Olneyville Food Center. Two new agency partners – Better Lives RI Food Cupboard and TapIn – also received some of these nutritious veggies via Market Mobile, our fiscal sponsor Farm Fresh RI’s online ordering and distribution system.
This was Newport Restaurant Group’s second glean with Hope’s Harvest RI this month. Two weeks ago, our superstar chef volunteers at Movement Ground Farm harvested a variety of produce, including eggplant, swiss chard, peppers, and cucumbers. Inspired by the beautiful veggies in the field, Executive Chef and Culinary Director for the Newport Restaurant Group Kevin DiLibero found an opportunity to connect with farm manager Keely Curliss about sourcing produce directly from Movement Ground Farm for the Boat House Restaurant in Tiverton, RI.
DiLibrero told HHRI staff, “I feel that by helping out with these gleaning trips each individual is making a difference in rescuing food to help build a stronger community. I can say that I am so impressed with what Hope’s Harvest is doing…” – and Hope’s Harvest RI is so grateful for the support of community partners like the Newport Restaurant Group!
2021 has been Hope’s Harvest RI’s busiest season yet, with over 40,000 pounds of food harvested and distributed to date! Opportunities to get involved with gleaning efforts will continue through the fall, and we welcome groups of all sorts, from schools, to companies like the Newport Restaurant Group, faith-based efforts, and many more. Fill out our Group Intake Form to set up a service day with us this season!
