Two years ago, Feeding America West Michigan tried something new. We decided to grow our own produce: three acres of sweet corn at Eastmanville Farm in Ottawa County. The results: more than 17,000 pounds of homegrown food for our neighbors in need. We’re pleased to say that after a one-year, weather-related hiatus, the Food Bank Farm is returning for a second season.
Farmer Matt Hehl, board member of the West Michigan Agricultural Education Center, which owns the farm and is allowing us to use the land rent-free, did three separate plantings between June 12 and the Fourth of July weekend. As you can see from our photos, the first section is coming in strong.
We expect to be pulling the first ears around Labor Day, and we’ll need a lot of help. If you’re interested in being part of the harvest, sign up online. If you’ve got a big group that would like to help out, contact our volunteer coordinator, Dena Rogers: denar@feedwm.org.
As with all things agricultural, the weather will determine our harvest dates. But if you sign up or contact Dena, we’ll be sure to let you know when it’s happening. In the meantime, consider supporting our mission to solve hunger by donating online.
Now get out there and enjoy this beautiful West Michigan summer!
