News
Harford Harvest raises over $29,000 for local land preservation and food pantries
November 1, 2020Harford Land Trust recently concluded Harford Harvest, our October 2020 initiative to raise funds for local land preservation and food pantries.
Harford Harvest highlighted the importance of farmland preservation and its role in protecting the productive land needed for a reliable and accessible local food network. More than one hundred community donors and sponsors came together to raise over $29,000 during the virtual campaign.
“The spirit of giving is strong in Harford County,” said Executive Director Kristin Kirkwood. “Our land preservation work has continued without pause because of the community’s generosity in 2020.”
Half of funds raised during Harford Harvest supported HLT’s ongoing efforts to preserve farmland and valuable open spaces throughout Harford County. The remaining half of Harford Harvest funds were donated to Harford Community Action Agency (HCAA) and Mason Dixon Community Services (MDCS) to help address immediate and expanded food needs in the community due to COVID-19.
This winter, both HCAA and MDCS expect increased demand for their emergency food service programs. “Our mobile food pantry efforts have ramped up and we expect them to do so even more now that schools are back to 100% online,” said HCAA Executive Director, Pamela (PJ) Craig. “We’ll be at feeding sites to meet parents who are obtaining meals for their kids.”
“The number of people to whom we are distributing food at our Highland office has increased substantially,” Cindy Abbot, MDCS Executive Director echoed. “In October, during Harford Harvest, our numbers increased 88% compared to October 2019. In September, the number increased over 100% compared to September 2019. The Board of Directors is very grateful to have been involved in Harford Harvest.”
Harford Harvest was made possible through the generous sponsorship and support of BGE, the Office of County Executive Barry Glassman, Klein’s Shop Rite, BGE, The Kelly Group, Watershed Environmental LLC, Jim and Sarah Morris, Chesapeake Bay Trust, GreenVest LLC, Foxborough Nursery, Jeffrey and Jo Tyson, Jones Junction, Dillon and Heather Yeung, Ecotone Inc, O’Neill Enterprises, APGFCU, MidAtlantic Farm Credit, Jarrettsville Federal, PNC Bank, Healthy Harford, Green Trust Alliance, Jarrettsville Federal, Harry and Eileen Webster, The Mill, Forest Hill Business Airport, Bartlett Tree Experts, Harford Financial Group, T.W. Ellis LLC, Weyrich Cronin & Sorra, Harford Bank, Heritage Financial Consultants, and Green Trust Alliance.
