What does Homefields provide?
2,400+
pounds of fresh produce were donated to a food bank in 2023, up 50% from last year.
Twice
the number of individuals with a disability played a role at the Care Farm this year.
143
educational workshops and seminars accomplished so far in our Experience Homefields program
Housing.
for people with special needs. This is how we began. Five families couldn’t find an appropriate option for loved ones within existing systems, so they built one. They bought a horse-boarding farm, renovated its two homes, and created a new option: Homefields. Today six adults, supported by staff, live on 19 acres.
Food.
Those families wanted Homefields to have a bigger role in the community. As the land had been agricultural for generations, the next step was to start a farm. Since then, our community-supported farm has provided organic food to hundreds of families, with surplus going to a local food bank.
Jobs.
Homefields Care Farm provides opportunities for people of all abilities. Our farmers collaborate within regional networks so they can introduce current knowledge to our farmhands. We partner with social service organizations like the Occupational Development Center and Friendship Community so their clients can find space here to grow.
Education.
Our Experience Homefields program marries local experts to the community on a wide range of environmental and wellness topics, including landscape design, storm water management, foraging, “Art at the Farm,” and native plant gardening. Local elementary and high school groups (with and without disabilities) visit Homefields to learn about ecology and sustainability.
Volunteerism.
Homefields has a symbiotic relationship with volunteer groups at Millersville University, the Milton Hershey School, The Ware Center for Civic Engagement at Franklin and Marshall College, and other organizations, which routinely choose Homefields for their volunteer activities. Our board is all volunteer. Interested in joining us?
Conservation.
When surrounding farmland came up for sale and housing developers appeared, Homefields’ board bought the property at auction. We are managing the land with sustainable techniques, conserving our natural resources for future generations. We’ve been recognized by the National Wildlife Federation, the Lancaster Sierra Club, and Historic Preservation Trust of Lancaster County.
Our Guest Book
A Constellation of Stars
Below are some of the foundations, sponsors, donors, and friends who have made our missions possible.
Click on their logos to find out more.
Homefields is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization EIN: 23-2744180 PA BOC: 26729
Edward Nase, Director, M.U. Dining Staff; Heather Keck, Retail Technical Service Manager; Toby Myers, Purchasing & Procurement; John Johnson, Executive Chef; and Mary Beth Williams, Vice President for Student Affairs joined us to discuss and plan growing produce to address food insecurity within the student body, to connect students with the people who grow their food and the farm, and to introduce new taste and recognition of a variety of vegetables and fruit.