The Foodshed Alliance works to strengthen sustainable farming, increase access to local, healthy food, and protect the environment for all members of our communities.

We are a grassroots, non-profit devoted to promoting sustainable farming and locally grown, fresh, healthy food in northern New Jersey. We believe that the future of our health, our land, and our communities depends, to great extent, on the existence of local farms–that farmers are the keystone to our connection with our food, the land and our sense of place. It is this conviction that drives us to work, with farmers, consumers, and agricultural professionals to foster a self-sustaining “foodshed” that supports farmers, nourishes people, respects the land, and strengthens our communities.

Supporting programs help to achieve these goals:

LocalShare: Working to fight food insecurity by rescuing farm-fresh, healthy foods and donating it all to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and other recipient agencies. LocalShare also collaborates with local partner organizations to host Free Pop-Up Produce Markets year-round. Many volunteering opportunities are available! Between gleaning (harvesting) the produce from local farms, delivering to local partners, or helping to serve at Free Pop-Up Produce Markets — many hands make light work! Contact Christine@FoodshedAlliance.org for more information about the LocalShare program.

Sustainable Agriculture Enterprises (SAgE): Addressing one of the biggest challenges to New Jersey farmers—affordable farmland, long-term farmland access. Open to farmers who are dedicated to sustainable agriculture and can demonstrate solid farming experience with sound business plans. Leases for individual plots are available to sustainable farm businesses at affordable rates for a period of at least 10 years. The program is always expanding, looking for more partner locations and farmers! Reach out to Eric@FoodshedAlliance.org for more information about the SAgE program.

Paulins Kill Watershed Community (PKW): The essential function of this program is to bring all stakeholders; residents, farmers, organizations, businesses and municipalities alike, together with the knowledge and skills needed to keep our waterways healthy and safe. Focused on the areas surrounding the Paulins Kill River, the program recruits volunteers for water quality monitoring, data collection, clean-ups, group hikes, and other educational opportunities. Contact ChrisDunbar@FoodshedAlliance.org for more information about the PKW Community.