Image courtesy: marigoldfarms.wixsite.com/pinehomestead
No Child Goes Hungry is pleased to continue supporting the outstanding childhood hunger advocacy and education efforts of Marigold Farms, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization whose mission is to provide free regeneratively grown produce, herbal remedies, and seedlings to strengthen the community’s economy, education, and wellness. No Child Goes Hungry provided a direct donation of needed materials and supplies to support Marigold Farms’ Greenhouse fundraiser. Donated materials included a log garden shed, saw blades, a chain saw and sawhorse, a trail camera, compost bin, and three soil kits. The new greenhouse will further enable Marigold Farms to continue educating children—the next generation of hunger advocates—on growing healthy, fresh food.
Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Marigold Farms has supported schools, families, and local nonprofits with seedlings to grow healthy organic produce for the community. However, Marigold Farms faced a significant challenge in the past year when it had to move its farm to a new permanent location. The migration meant a change in altitude, growing environment, and the loss of animal access. A greenhouse in its new location will allow Marigold Farms to grow five times more seedlings than it has in the past, amplifying its reach and impact and allowing it to support hunger relief efforts in North Los Angeles County, Ventura County, Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, and Kern County.
Marigold Farms began as a small nonprofit that wanted to teach the community the importance of regenerative agriculture.
“We didn’t have a location big enough to support the community with produce and seedlings, so we formed a program that allowed us to help families build their mini-farms at home,” said Gisa Seeholzer, Marigold Farms, Inc, Board President & Director of Programs. “The program worked well until the COVID-19 pandemic hit, and everyone had to stay at home. Then, slowly, we noticed that food was more important than ever, especially homegrown organic produce. Many nonprofits were giving away produce, but the percentage of the food given away was not as high in nutrients as homegrown organic produce.”
Marigold Farms began growing seedlings for families in the local community of Ventura County.
“Growing seedlings encouraged the community to get outside in the dirt and grow vegetables and fruits at home,” said Seeholzer. “The pandemic not only weighed heavily on our physical health but on our mental health as well. Gardening allows for several benefits, both physical and mental. We wanted to give our community health, hope, and beauty.
In 2020 No Child Goes Hungry provided a $2000 grant to Marigold Farms to bolster its Community Support Program, which provides produce, seedlings, seeds, chicken manure, eggs, compost, and other farm products to the community.
“One of the most valuable benefits that No Child Goes Hungry can offer grassroots organizations and nonprofits is our continued partnership,” said No Child Goes Hungry Founder and Director Kären Rasmussen. “It is a privilege to continue supporting Marigold Farm’s ongoing efforts to meet its community’s needs. The way the organization has pivoted its operational strategy during COVID-19 to continue providing hunger relief is admirable and inspiring.”
“The support of our donors allows us to continue to grow seedlings and provide schools and gardens the opportunity to learn and eat healthy organic produce,” said Seeholzer.
Contact us today to learn how NCGH can help support your local hunger advocacy initiative.