Bemidji, Minn., food shelf, Americorps to hold Community Day for Farm project

BEMIDJI -- A seed planted three years ago at the Bemidji Community Food Shelf continues to grow -- the Farm project is expanding for the third year in a row. Community members have the opportunity to help out with that expansion Saturday at Bemidji Community Day at the food shelf starting at 8 a.m. The Farm started as an Americorps project in 2013 and a new Americorps team has added more to the farm each year. All produce from the farm goes to the food shelf or is sold at fundraisers. This year’s Americorps team is putting on Bemidji Community Day in addition to preparing the farm plot for another season.
Jaquelyn Costello, of Americorps, said they hope to keep the event going after they leave later this summer. “We have made the plan for the event and a step-by-step guide so that we can give it to the food self and they can continue the event in the future,” Costello said. The Farm consists of multiple fields, raised garden beds and a greenhouse. “A lot of this wasn't here when we got here a month ago. We have added all the raised beds and have prepared all the fields to plant,” said Graham Hardman, a Americorps team member. While the team has put in a month of work to expand the farm, as well as starting the planting, team member Raquel Reynolds says there is still more to be done. “We have done a lot here, but there is still a ton of weeding. So, hopefully, we have a lot of people come out to help us with that this weekend,” she said. Saturday’s event will have two work sessions. The first is from 8-11 a.m., followed by a lunch provided by Giovanni’s pizza. The second work session runs 1-3 p.m. Mary Mitchell, the director of the Bemidji Food Shelf, says she hopes they can secure more volunteers with this event. “Americorps has helped so much with the Farm project. But this year we only get one team, not two. So my hope is that people come out and see we need the help,” Mitchell said. “It’s really nice for the whole community. We have the DAC (Developmental Achievement Center) come out and help and groups from the schools also come out. It gives people the opportunity to give back and learn as well.” Costello said there are still many openings and all are welcome to attend Bemidji Community Day. “We just ask that people bring their own gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. They can email us to sign up,” she said. The email for the Farm project is bcfsfarm@paulbunyan.net. The food self is grateful for the fresh produce coming out of the ground on the Farm plot. “It’s so nice to have fresh produce here. Usually all of our produce is older, so we love having the fresh stuff even if it’s only for part of the year,” Mitchell said. “On average, we serve 75 families a day and go through 5,000 pounds of food a day. Our whole operation runs on donations and volunteers.”  BEMIDJI -- A seed planted three years ago at the Bemidji Community Food Shelf continues to grow -- the Farm project is expanding for the third year in a row.Community members have the opportunity to help out with that expansion Saturday at Bemidji Community Day at the food shelf starting at 8 a.m.The Farm started as an Americorps project in 2013 and a new Americorps team has added more to the farm each year. All produce from the farm goes to the food shelf or is sold at fundraisers.This year’s Americorps team is putting on Bemidji Community Day in addition to preparing the farm plot for another season.
Jaquelyn Costello, of Americorps, said they hope to keep the event going after they leave later this summer.“We have made the plan for the event and a step-by-step guide so that we can give it to the food self and they can continue the event in the future,” Costello said.The Farm consists of multiple fields, raised garden beds and a greenhouse.“A lot of this wasn't here when we got here a month ago. We have added all the raised beds and have prepared all the fields to plant,” said Graham Hardman, a Americorps team member.While the team has put in a month of work to expand the farm, as well as starting the planting, team member Raquel Reynolds says there is still more to be done.“We have done a lot here, but there is still a ton of weeding. So, hopefully, we have a lot of people come out to help us with that this weekend,” she said.Saturday’s event will have two work sessions. The first is from 8-11 a.m., followed by a lunch provided by Giovanni’s pizza. The second work session runs 1-3 p.m.Mary Mitchell, the director of the Bemidji Food Shelf, says she hopes they can secure more volunteers with this event.“Americorps has helped so much with the Farm project. But this year we only get one team, not two. So my hope is that people come out and see we need the help,” Mitchell said.“It’s really nice for the whole community. We have the DAC (Developmental Achievement Center) come out and help and groups from the schools also come out. It gives people the opportunity to give back and learn as well.”Costello said there are still many openings and all are welcome to attend Bemidji Community Day.“We just ask that people bring their own gloves, sunscreen and a water bottle. They can email us to sign up,” she said. The email for the Farm project is bcfsfarm@paulbunyan.net.The food self is grateful for the fresh produce coming out of the ground on the Farm plot.“It’s so nice to have fresh produce here. Usually all of our produce is older, so we love having the fresh stuff even if it’s only for part of the year,” Mitchell said. “On average, we serve 75 families a day and go through 5,000 pounds of food a day. Our whole operation runs on donations and volunteers.”