GROW Urban Farm’s ‘Share Our Surplus’: Fostering Community Growth

GROW Urban Farm’s ‘Share Our Surplus’: Fostering Community Growth

In an effort to combat both food waste and hunger, Grow Urban Farm, a division of Flying HIGH Inc.’s Access Healthy Foods Mahoning Valley, has launched the “Share Our Surplus” initiative. This initiative goes beyond the Mobile Markets that have become a staple for local, fresh produce, by distributing excess crops to various organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley.

The farm’s commitment to sustainable practices is now directly supporting local partners like Big Reach Center of Hope, Mahoning Valley Second Harvest Food Bank, and the Salvation Army’s Youngstown Citadel Food Pantry. These organizations, along with others, are receiving regular deliveries of fresh, nutritious produce that might otherwise go to waste.

“The Share Our Surplus program is a natural extension of what we do,” said Jeffrey Magada, Executive Director and Founder at Flying HIGH Inc. “We’ve always aimed to feed our community, but now we’re making sure that even the surplus serves a purpose.”

The program is designed to ensure that fresh produce is available where it’s most needed. The farm has designated specific days and times for harvesting and delivering produce to each of these organizations, ensuring a steady flow of fresh food throughout the week. For instance, the Big Reach Center of Hope receives its deliveries on Thursday mornings, ensuring that families have fresh produce for the weekend.

This approach not only helps in reducing food waste but also promotes healthier eating habits across the community. By making locally-grown, nutrient-rich food more accessible, Grow Urban Farm is playing a crucial role in building a healthier, more resilient community.

As the growing season continues, Grow Urban Farm plans to expand this program, inviting more local organizations to join in. The farm also encourages community members to participate by volunteering their time or resources to support these efforts.

With “Share Our Surplus,” Grow Urban Farm is proving that even the smallest seed can grow into something much greater—a thriving, connected community.