Field to Families harvest fresh produce for those in need

Daniel Island fundraiser planned for October 2

On the outskirts of Moncks Corner, tucked away off the beaten path, lies a well-tended patch of land bordered by stately longleaf pines. Off to one side of the property, vegetables and fruits burst forth from the earth.

“I’ve been out here since 8 a.m.,” said Sasha Coyle, as she surveyed the bountiful spread stretched out before her. “It’s always so peaceful.”

Sasha and her family tend to this garden for the Fields to Families program, a non-profit initiative that pairs locally grown produce with those in need in the Lowcountry. They recently harvested sweet potatoes, watermelon and cantaloupe. But today’s crops include several varieties of peppers, eggplant, herbs, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussel sprouts, and squash. Sasha’s sons, Jack, 8, and Cope, 9, dug in on a new planting project last week.

“Let’s put that one right there,” said Sasha, as she directed them in planting romaine lettuce in one of several boxes in the garden. The boys gently parted the soil and placed the tiny plants in small holes. Birds flew overhead and bugs chirped and buzzed as the team worked.

“Alright,” continued Sasha, who serves as program manager for Fields to Families. “That looks great!”

Also joining the crew at the garden last week was Fields to Families Board Member Tina Jackson, a former Daniel Island resident who has been involved in the program for the last five years. Known in her professional life as “The Holistic Chick,” Tina helps her clients become heathier and improve their lives through nutrition, exercise and addressing life’s obstacles. Getting involved with Fields to Families has been a good fit, she said.

“I’m really passionate about people eating real food and getting away from anything processed,” said Tina “It’s not an option for everybody, but I don’t think it should be a luxury either. I think everybody should have that right to have fresh foods that are good for them.”

This location is just one of many that serves as a resource for the Fields to Families program, which began ten years ago under the leadership of founder Jacki Baer. Launched in honor of Baer’s late husband, the effort has always focused on a simple mission – tackle hunger in the Lowcountry by harvesting locally grown produce and distributing it to those less fortunate.

“I think when (the Baers) moved down from the north, they could not grasp or believe how many people were in need of food assistance,” added Sasha. “And they felt strongly that people deserved fresh food, and that’s how it all came together.”

Fields to Families distributes what is collected to local food banks, churches, soup kitchens, and other non-profit entities. In addition to their Moncks Corner garden, they also collect donated produce from several weekly farmers markets (Summerville, Charleston, Mount Pleasant, West Ashley) as well as a number of local farms. Items are then delivered to a variety of locations, including Tri-County Family Ministries, three Seacoast Churches, Helping Hands, the Sherman House (low income senior housing facility), Joseph Paul Apartments, the Berkeley Dream Center and Jenkins Orphanage.

“There are always food drives for canned goods and those sorts of things,” added Tina. “But we want to give something that will help sustain their health.”

“There is some education to it, too,” said Sasha. “Because some people are just really intimidated by vegetables! It’s been a while since they’ve used them. This just breaks that barrier…and if they come and they cook it and they love it, then maybe they’ll be more likely to get it at the grocery store when they go shopping.”

In the first nine months of 2016, Fields to Families has collected close to 50,000 pounds of produce, which has provided nearly 40,000 meals for their Lowcountry recipients. According to Sasha, that’s about $100,575 worth of food that has been distributed free of charge to the community. This year, they hope to provide 60,000 meals.

For Sasha, a certified Master Gardener, being involved in the project has proven to be a fruitful endeavor.

“We started because the kids could volunteer,” she said. “For us as a family, it was just something that we believed in, a healthy lifestyle and helping other people. Now more so, of course my kids are involved and they get to do it, but we get to grow food and feed people healthy.”

The program also seems to be reaping good rewards for the Fields to Families recipients.

“Most people are really excited and can find something they love,” Sasha continued. “The feedback we get is usually very positive.”

“The older generations really love it because that’s what they grew up on!” added Tina.

Since its inception in 2006, Fields to Families has distributed more than 600,000 pounds of food to Lowcountry residents. To mark this milestone, and to raise funds that will help sustain the program, Fields to Families will host a “10th Anniversary Celebration” this Sunday, October 2, at the Pierce Park Pavilion on Daniel Island, from 4 to 7 p.m. The event will include dinner from Dish and Design, desserts from Wildflour Pastry, a live auction, and live music by the Good Foot Band.

“This anniversary party is not only a chance to gather together and enjoy each other, but it is also an opportunity for us to grow,” stated a post on the Fields to Families Facebook page. “When more people become aware of what we’re doing, the more support can be offered. When more support is available, the more people we can serve. The more people we serve, the bigger the impact we are making as a whole.”

“Without monetary support and volunteer support, our program doesn’t function,” said Sasha.

“Come and learn more, have fun, and have good food – all while supporting a great cause!” added Tina.

Organizers hope that monies raised at the event will help sow the seeds for the program’s future success. Tickets are $30 for adults and children under 13 are free. To inquire about tickets to the upcoming 10th Anniversary Celebration or for additional information, visit www.fieldstofamilies.org.

Field to Families
10th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 2, 4 to 7 pm
Pierce Park Pavillion
1801 Pierce Street, Daniel Island

*Dinner from Dish and Design (shrimp and grits, roasted chicken, mac and cheese, potatoes and salads)
*Desserts by Wildflour
*Live auction
*Music by Good Foot Band (Celtic and Americana roots)
*Beer and wine

For tickets, visit
www.fieldstofamilies.org

Daniel Island Publishing

225 Seven Farms Drive
Unit 108
Daniel Island, SC 29492 

Office Number: 843-856-1999
Fax Number: 843-856-8555

 

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