A local nonprofit fighting childhood hunger will develop new sustainable farmland to increase food provision in Ottawa and Allegan counties.
Kids’ Food Basket plans to further its Grow commitment through the development of 10 acres of sustainable, chemical-free farmland at 340 140th Ave. in Holland. The farm will be shared property in partnership with Ridge Point Community Church, which is where the land is located.
“We are beyond grateful to Ridge Point Community Church for their generosity through this partnership,” said Bridget Clark Whitney, president and CEO of Kids’ Food Basket. “At Kids’ Food Basket, we understand how important fresh, locally grown food is for the overall health and well-being of our children and community. With this land, we are now able to provide more fresh produce to our community, more nutritious sack suppers to students, and host more classrooms from Ottawa and Allegan counties.”
Produce grown on the newly acquired farmland will be donated to local community partner sites and go directly into the sack supper program for the students Kids’ Food Basket currently serves.
For the upcoming 2022 harvest season, The Kids’ Food Basket Farm – Ottawa + Allegan will feature crops such as green beans, sugar snap peas and watermelons on a small-scale growing model. Construction on a learning-centered barn and year-round greenhouse is set to begin in summer 2022.
Scott Potter, executive pastor of Fearless Family of Churches, said the partnership is a “significant opportunity” for Ridge Point.
“It is about being part of the solution and adding value for our community,” Potter said. “It is not only a partnership involving our property but also the people of Ridge Point volunteering, building encouraging relationships and being part of helping our community thrive.”
The new farmland acquisition serves as the second farm location for Kids’ Food Basket after the organization obtained the last remaining urban farmland in Kent County in 2017.
The new farmland in Holland is scheduled to reach full growing capacity by 2023.
Volunteer opportunities will be made available in the upcoming months.
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