Growing to Give addresses two significant issues facing our planet: climate change and food insecurity. The organization grows organic vegetables and donates them to locals who can’t afford high-quality produce. Founded in 2017 by 16 people, the program runs out of Scatter Good Farm, owned and operated by Patty Carton and John Newlin. The couple started their hobby farm years ago but wanted their land to benefit the greater community via food donations.
In the program’s first three seasons, Growing to Give grew and donated more than 35,000 pounds of organic vegetables to neighbors in need. The produce is delivered three times a week to local food banks, pantries, low-income complexes, school backpack programs, and community kitchens, benefiting thousands of people who wouldn’t otherwise have access to costly organic food. Climate-friendly practices employed at the farm include bio-intensive and permaculture techniques, mostly electric farm equipment partially powered by solar panels, and amending the soil with carbon-sequestering biochar.
In addition to hosting Growing to Give, Scatter Good Farm is home to Nigerian Dwarf goats and occasional batches of organic chickens. Volunteers are welcome to work in the fields and learn about the various environmental and social initiatives at the heart of the program. Farm stays are also possible, as well as space rentals in the renovated barn.