Amy Navin - Community Harvest Project

Rotary Rocket 22 April, 2010 Meeting Opening ceremonies led by President Jay, the opening song by Frank Doherty. A visiting Rotarian from Framingham offered the invocation. President Jay reminded all of the District Conference scheduled for May in Fitchburg. Proceeds from the Comedy Night program are expected to total approximately $8,000. Final tally expected soon. Bob Johnson reported on the Salvation Army dinner, which fed approximately 35 guests. He and Frank Doherty were the volunteer Rotarians who worked the dinner. Jonathan Vo, Chair of the Day, introduced the speaker, Amy Navin, executive director of the Community Harvest Project (CHP). The project is run on farmland in North Grafton, and raises fresh produce, which is donated to the Worcester County Food Bank for distribution to over 100 not-for-profit agencies throughout the county. CHP itself is a non-profit organization that relies on volunteers to grow the crops used for hunger relief. Every year over 3,000 volunteers, including many children, work in the fields. So, CHP, since its founding in 1970, has fed thousands of our neighbors who are in need, and also provides an opportunity for young people to learn the importance of community service. The volunteers' efforts produce approximately 30,000 pounds of fresh vegetables for the Food Bank. However, Amy expects that CHP may grow as much as 80,000 pounds of produce during the coming season. She explained that increasing needs for food during the current economic downturn are driving CHP. Amy says she needs volunteers to work as little as a few hours or as long as a whole growing season. Non farm work volunteers are also sought for computer support, publicity and other skill areas. Financial support is also sought from individuals and businesses.