Over 700 Pounds of Produce Harvested for a Preschool

Moorhead Farm Takes Initiative to Promote Healthy Eating Among Local Youth

MOORHEAD, Minn. — Located just north of Moorhead, Harvest Hope Farm has established itself as a vital contributor to children’s nutrition education and health in the region. With the support of state funding, the farm has taken significant strides to enhance access to fresh produce for local children, ultimately aiming to instill healthier eating habits from a young age.

In 2022, Harvest Hope Farm was awarded a substantial grant that facilitated the construction of a state-of-the-art year-round growing dome. This innovative facility is designed to optimize the growth of various produce throughout the changing seasons, allowing the farm to respond promptly to local food demand. The decision to allocate all yields from this dome to Peace Academy Preschool in Fargo, North Dakota, reflects the farm’s commitment to community engagement and children’s welfare.

Since the dome’s inception, Harvest Hope Farm has donated an impressive 700 pounds of fresh produce to the preschool. This bounty includes a variety of seasonal vegetables such as peas, beans, carrots, cherry tomatoes, and squash. By providing these nutritious options, the farm plays a pivotal role in enriching the dietary diversity available to preschoolers, enhancing both their physical health and culinary education.

The financial support for this project highlights a collaborative effort between local agricultural initiatives and educational programs. The construction of the growing dome was primarily funded through a ,000 grant from the North Central Region Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education Program, alongside a ,000 grant from the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. Such grants are essential in fostering sustainable practices in agriculture and ensuring that communities can benefit from locally sourced, nutritious food.

For the next two years, all produce harvested from the dome will be exclusively donated to Peace Academy Preschool. This initiative is expected to significantly increase the fiber content in children’s diets, introducing them to the benefits of consuming fresh fruits and vegetables. Additionally, the preschool also operates a hydroponic garden, which complements the produce donations by supplying fresh lettuce for the children.

Harvest Hope Farm’s innovative approach serves as a model for community-driven agriculture, demonstrating the powerful impact of local farming initiatives on public health, particularly among the youngest members of society. By bridging the gap between agricultural production and nutritional education, Harvest Hope Farm is not only promoting healthier eating habits but also fostering a deeper understanding of food sources among children, thereby equipping them with essential knowledge for a healthier future.