By Erin DuBois Correspondent

Farming and social justice are not usually named in the same sentence, but for Jill Landes of Living Hope Farm, the two are inextricably linked. Not surprising, considering the farm’s heritage has a mission of mercy to the down-and-out.

One of only several Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs in Montgomery County, the farm at 461 Indian Creek Road in Harleysville was the birthplace of organizations such as Indian Creek Foundation and Liberty Ministries before land development threatened its future.

Purchased in 1955 by the Franconia Mennonite Conference (FMC), the 40-acre farm originally served as a home for recovering alcoholics, and then housed a sheltered workshop for persons with developmental disabilities.            

In 2004, when a local developer offered to buy the land for a residential subdivision, the FMC decided that the farm had a higher calling.

“Our heritage as Mennonites is farming, so to let go of a farm would be a stretch,” Landes said. “The Conference decided that the farm’s best use would be as a CSA.”

As a CSA, Living Hope will offer members fresh, organic produce from the end of May through the last week of October.

A $725 membership gives customers a full grocery bag of whatever is in season each week, free of herbicides and pesticides.  Customers can also opt for a $365 half-membership, with Living Hope assisting in matching members to split shares.

Living Hope’s first shares were sold at the annual FMC Apple Butter Frolic on October 3, but shares are still available.

“People buy shares in the fall so that the farmer can buy seed and seed-starting material,” Landes said.  “Right now is when the discounts are, so buying shares now assists us and that’s our benefit.”

Members can look forward to a variety of produce, including broccoli, carrots, leeks and squashes, as well as herbs and a weekly flower bouquet.  Over time Landes will add pick-your-own berries, organic eggs, and possibly breads and pastries.

Although CSAs have become more popular in recent years, Living Hope’s non-profit status distinguishes it from other programs.

“We would like to continue birthing new ministries and to be a model for other CSAs in the Philadelphia area,” Landes said.

Landes envisions a deliberate partnership with urban congregations and food pantries, providing education as well as nourishment. Instead of waiting to see what is leftover at the end of the day, she aspires to give from the best of her crops throughout the season.

“Education will also be a big piece,” Landes said. “It’s much easier to buy Twinkies. Who knows what to do with rabe?”

Members and beneficiaries have a good chance of finding out.

Landes dreams of partnering with organizations such as Liberty Ministries to teach former inmates marketable job skills for CSA and farming operations.  Her class roster for the general public covers a wide range of topics, from canning to composting, and a gardening camp for kids.

“The plans are as numerous as spokes on a wheel,” Landes said.

Yet the diverse plans harmonize with the larger goal of helping people meaningfully connect to the land.  Members will enjoy not only the bountiful harvest but the opportunity to bask in nature every time they pick up their share.

Landes also hopes to construct raised beds so that children with disabilities can participate.

“We’re not just taking care of the food piece, but we want to take care of the whole person,” Landes said.

In keeping with the concept of caring for people, Living Hope’s first season will be a community endeavor, in an effort to create a self-sustaining farm.

For at least the first year, the farm will run on a volunteer basis, with individuals committing to regular days as much as possible.

Landes asks that members volunteer 4 hours per year, assisting with tasks such as manning the pick-up booth and harvesting crops. She is also requesting donations of manure from local farms.

But life on the farm won’t be all work with no play.

Potluck dinners and musical performances on the amphitheater-style hill behind the barn will spark the community spirit that is the essence of sustainable farming practices.

“Sustainability really means caring for the land, not just for this generation but for the generations to follow,” Landes said.

A sense of unlimited potential hallows the peaceful corn fields of Living Hope Farm.

“Living because we’re growing living things and because of our life in Christ,” Landes said. “We want to be able to give hope to those who don’t have it.”

For membership information, contact Jill Landes at 267-625-4525.