Gaining Ground’s 2020 growing season was memorable for many reasons. A pandemic altered our lives and behaviors forever. Food insecurity skyrocketed, both in Massachusetts and across the nation. Our caterpillar tunnels were damaged by a microburst storm in April, and we reluctantly suspended our volunteer program for the first time in the organization’s 26 year history. The weather presented challenges in the form of a wet, cold spring, a severe summer drought, and the earliest fall frost in recent memory. Undeterred, we expanded our distribution program and added five new partner organizations to meet increasing regional hunger. We grew more produce than ever before—a record 127,429 pounds of fresh, organic produce, which translates to roughly 509,000 individual servings of vegetables. With the help and hard work of 15 partner organizations, we supplied more than 1,000 food-insecure households each week during the 2020 growing season. This incredible success simply would not have been possible without the dedication of our board of directors and staff and the generosity of our donor community. We accomplished all of this and are still growing because of YOU. Thank you!

“Our clients absolutely love the fresh produce and it has helped to support our model of providing wholesome, nutritious and fresh food to our clients. Everyone deserves good food!”

—Heidi Porter, Bedford Food Bank

“Our guests were very happy with the produce supplied by Gaining Ground. We value Gaining Ground’s relationship and produce!”

—Rob Slattery, Open Table

Seeds have been started in the greenhouse, the field crop plan is finalized, and a particularly abundant maple sugaring season has wound down. As we look ahead to our 27th growing season, we are excited to partner with the following organizations to address food insecurity in Boston, Lowell, and the Metrowest area.

Bedford Food Bank

Bethany Hill Place, Framingham

Bridge Boston Charter School, Roxbury

Daniel’s Table, Framingham

East Boston Community Soup Kitchen

Food for Families, Concord

Greenroots (Salvation Army of Chelsea/East Boston and Eastie Farm)

Head Start, Lowell

House of Hope, Lowell

Loaves and Fishes, Devens/Ayer

Lowell Transitional Living Center

Open Table, Maynard/Concord

Pine Street Inn, Boston

Rosie’s Place, Boston

Sudbury Food Pantry

Watch City Market/Healthy Waltham

Westford Council on Aging