PEC’s Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows welcomed volunteers of all ages back out to the farm in a socially distant manner, beginning in June, with over 300 people helping out so far! As of early September, we have surpassed our goal and donated more than 22,000 pounds of fresh produce to Loudoun Hunger Relief, including tomatoes, tomatillos, melons, and more, with lots more to harvest.
Socially distant summer volunteers from St. Paul VI Catholic High School in Chantilly. Photo by Marco Sánchez
Aerial shot of the Community Farm at Roundabout Meadows. Photo by Hugh Kenny
Farm manager Dana Melby planting tomatoes. Photo by Hugh Kenny
Community Farm volunteer Jaiden helps harvest peppers this summer. Photo by Marco Sánchez
“Hunger has always existed in the Loudoun County community, but with the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, our neighbors need us now more than ever,” saidFarm Manager Dana Melby. “In response, we’ve tripled the production area at the Community Farm. Volunteers are really stepping up and have been invaluable to our effort to meet the needs of the food insecure people of Loudoun. While our growing season is slowing down after the summer peak, it’s not too late to come volunteer!”
This update appeared in The Piedmont Environmental Council’s member newsletter, The Piedmont View. If you’d like to become a PEC member or renew your membership, please visit pecva.org/join.