Introducing Topsfield's New Share for a Share Program

Sustainable agriculture and food security are two very important issues that affect us all.   Sustainable agriculture protects the environment, preserves open space, and provides fresh, locally-grown food for communities.  Locally-grown food reduces the need for long-range transportation of varieties hybridized to ripen after harvest and survive shipping.  Everyone knows the difference between a sun-ripened tomato fresh from the field and a thick-skinned, bland super-market variety!

Food security involves access to healthy food on a daily basis.  Nearly 13% of US households suffer from food insecurity.  Associated with low incomes, food insecurity contributes to significant health inequities, especially among children who lack the nutrition necessary to thrive. A model that addresses both of these issues has been adopted in many areas of the country.  Funds donated to a non-profit are used to purchase CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) shares from local farmers.  The produce in the shares is donated to a local food bank or pantry serving people in need.

Share for a Share is Topsfield’s way of contributing to sustainable agriculture and food security.  Donations to the Topsfield Community Partnership will be used to purchase shares from local farms.  The resulting produce will be donated to Tri-Town food pantries and Haven from Hunger in Peabody.  We will be helping to support local farms and feed our neighbors in need.  This project is bringing together a number of community groups, including the Agricultural Commission, Topsfield Community Partnership, local farms, the Council on Aging's inter-generational garden, and home gardeners who will be contributing their excess produce.  Others will be joining in to support this effort.

Find more information about the Share for a Share program on the Topsfield Community Partnership website.