November 9, 2019
Dear Friends and Supporters of Hidden Harvest,
I hope this letter finds you enjoying the fall weather wherever you are and partaking heartily of the bounty and variety of healthy foods that are being harvested.
I wanted to share with you, as I usually do in my annual letter this time of year, some things we've been thinking about at Hidden Harvest during our produce filled harvest days.
I've been reading and learning from an inspiring young farmer named Leah Penniman. A Fulbright honoree and James Beard Award winner, Penniman recently wrote about her years learn ing to farm in Ghana. She writes: My mentors in Ghana...were incredulous when they heard that, in the U.S. people planted seeds and did not sing over them, or pour libation, or pray, or make offerings. Yet Americans expected those seeds to grow and create nourishing food. They were completely baffled: No wonder y'all are sick!”
We don't plant the seeds at Hidden Harvest that launch the produce we "rescue" but we know many of the farmers that do, and I can attest that some DO pray or sing to bless the seeds they plant. And I can also attest that a few add "libation" to the ceremony as well.
What I can assuredly guarantee is that those of us who touch, scrub, bathe, coddle, and pack our beautiful produce, approach our task with a reverence. I know I speak for our fantastic staff and volunteers when I say that we approach our "calling" with love and dedication, to assure our clients are not sick, but healthier and more vibrant.
It is you, our loyal donors and supporters that make this “calling" a reality. I can't believe it but Hidden Harvest has just entered its 20th year of operation. We couldn't have done it without you. We are planning some special celebrations for this major milestone that you will be hearing about and invited to join. We also will be stepping up our social media presence to spread the "20 Years, 20 Million Pounds" message.
Thank you for your past support of our "calling" and for the morale boast it gives in addition to the financial boost. If your circumstances are such that you can continue to support our efforts, I humbly request that you do.
All of us at Hidden Harvest wish you a wonderful holiday season.
With gratitude and warmest regards,
Christy Porter
Executive Director