Community service is a backbone of 4-H. Research shows that generosity toward your community helps develop young people to be civically engaged as adults. 4-H Volunteer, Norm Joseph, dreamed of getting fresh produce from local farms to local food banks. 4-H Educator, Rachel Hart-Brinson, helped him develop the concept of volunteers picking produce at local farms and donating it to local food pantries. She suggested that the farmer could also provide a little education about growing their particular crop to the group before they picked.

Norm enlisted his daughter to create a logo and a website. They called the program, “Picking Promises.” Norm contacted local farms and asked if they wanted to participate in the program and scheduled picking donation dates. Some of these farms offered reduced prices for the event or to donate fruit, asking that Norm organize a crew to come clean up trees at the end of the season. Norm also solicited donations from local businesses to cover some of the cost, as farmers still need to be paid for their crops. Eau Claire County 4-H promoted organized events and Norm offered to coordinate service project outings for different 4-H clubs. Norm contacted multiple farms to arrange dates to pick fruit and vegetables and also donation locations.

Local food pantries were happy to accept fresh food donations. Last year, Eau Claire County 4-H Clubs picked fruit and vegetables at 3 participating farms on 4 different occasions. Over 7,500 pounds of fresh fruit and produce was picked and delivered to The Community Table and Feed My People Food Bank. Items picked included strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, apples, pumpkins, and squash.

If you have someone who would like to help local farmers and get fresh produce to needy families, you could organize a similar program in your county. Check out the Picking Promises website to get ideas. It’s a great way to support local farmers, encourage civic engagement, and build connections in your community.