New Entry is a local Community Sustainable Agriculture program that provides an opportunity for local farmers to make a living from their produce. Your donations toward World PEAS at this event will be used to purchase "shares" or boxes of locally grown food from these farmers. The shares will be distributed to low to moderate income families that the Merrimack Valley Food Bank serves through their member food pantries, shelters and soup kitchens in 29 cities and towns in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Whether you bring a can or box of food or donate $10 toward the cause, you will Help US...Help OTHERS."
 

A recent study, Hunger in America 2010, sponsored by the nation’s largest food bank, shows that the number of Americans needing food assistance has jumped 46% in the last three years, including a 50% jump in the number of children, and a 64% increase among senior citizens—our society’s most vulnerable members.  Will Rock For Food is a way for members of the greater Lowell community to support important local organizations who are at the forefront of efforts to respond to this pressing need.

 

The New Entry Sustainable Farming Project assists people with limited resources who have an interest in small-scale commercial agriculture, to begin farming in Massachusetts .  The broader goals of New Entry are to support the vitality and sustainability of the region’s agriculture, to build long-term economic self-reliance and food security among participants and their communities, and to expand access to high-quality, culturally appropriate foods in underserved areas, through production of locally-grown foods.

 

New Entry helped form the World PEAS Coop in 2005 with the goal to help immigrant and refugee farmers sell more of their produce to new audiences at fair prices. By forming a coop, small, beginning farmers are able to combine their products with other small farmers and access larger markets.

 

The Merrimack Valley Food Bank is a community-supported 501C-3 non-profit organization that provides nutritious food and personal care items to emergency feeding programs serving the low-income, homeless and hungry.  It’s one of four food banks in Massachusetts that serves food pantries, shelters, soup kitchens, day and residential programs that in turn, serve individuals and families.

 

The goal of Will Rock For Food is to pull together with these organizations to put fresh, locally grown produce on the tables of those most in need, by sponsoring shares in the World PEAS Coop on behalf of the Merrimack Valley Food Bank.  Donations can also be made directly to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank for immediate benefit of those in need.

 

Your donations will help support local, sustainable agriculture in Massachusetts , and feeding those most in need with the freshest, most nutritious and delicious food they can get.  Welcome to the party—and join your all those in your community who Will Rock For Food!