Gaining Ground’s mission to nourish neighbors experiencing food insecurity has always been fueled by community: the donors, volunteers, and partners who help make this work possible. Gaining Ground maintains a small traditional maple syrup operation and, each year, maple season brings the Gaining Ground community together. Over 100 supporters of all ages gathered for an Open House to see maple sap boiling, tour the farm, and visit with one another as winter slowly gives way to spring.

Community-based partners connect Gaining Ground produce with members of their communities who are experiencing food insecurity. It is always a thrill when partners are able to join us on the farm! This year, Sandra Nijjar, Executive Director of the East Boston Community Soup Kitchen, arrived with a van full of folks, and for some it was their first visit to the farm. We also were happy to catch up with staff and volunteers from the Sudbury Community Food Pantry, Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry, Daniel’s Table, and Eastie Farm who made this special trip to Gaining Ground. 

We extend our sincere thanks to the Gaining Ground board members and volunteers, plus those from the National Charity League’s Middlesex Chapter, whose helping hands made for a fun and smooth event! The sap is still running, the farm crew continues to collect, and the steam from the sugar shack fills the air with the sweet scent of syrup. Here’s to a productive maple season that will sweeten our food distributions this fall!