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Inspiring the Archdiocese of Baltimore

First Fruits Farm, a nonprofit Christian ministry with deep ties to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, celebrated a significant milestone in its mission to feed the hungry with fresh produce. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

First Fruits Farm surpasses milestone with food distribution


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Catholic Review Filed Under: Feature, Local News, News

First Fruits Farm, a nonprofit Christian ministry with deep ties to the Archdiocese of Baltimore, celebrated a significant milestone in its mission to feed the hungry with fresh produce.

As of September, the farm has distributed more than 5 million pounds of food this year (equal to 20 million servings) – exceeding its total of 4.7 million pounds for all of 2024. With three months still to go, the farm is on pace to surpass its 2025 goal of 6 million pounds, making this the most impactful year in the organization’s history.

Palettes of potatoes wait in protective storage for the upcoming growing season in First Fruit Farms operations building in Freeland, Baltimore County, Marcy 20, 2023. (Kevin J. Parks/CR Staff)

Numerous Catholic organizations throughout the Archdiocese of Baltimore and the Mid-Atlantic are supporting First Fruits Farms.

“This is about more than just numbers – this is about people,” said Rich Bernstein, executive director of First Fruits Farm, in a media release. “Every pound of produce represents a family fed, a neighbor helped and a community strengthened. We’re incredibly grateful to God, and the volunteers and supporters who make this mission possible.” 

Some of First Fruits Farm’s distribution partners with ties to the Catholic Church include:

  • Beans and Bread
  • Franciscan Center of Baltimore
  • Gallagher House (part of Catholic Charities)
  • Little Sisters of the Poor
  • Our Daily Bread Ministries (part of Catholic Charities)
  • St. Francis Neighborhood Center
  • St. Joseph School of Fullerton
  • St. Joseph Pantry of Carroll County

Catholic groups that have volunteered at the farm include Notre Dame Preparatory School, Calvert Hall College High School, Loyola Blakefield, St. Ignatius in Hickory, Immaculate Heart of Mary in Baynesville and the youth group of St. Bartholomew in Manchester, among many others.

The timing of First Fruits distribution achievement comes as the need for fresh, nutritious food is rising sharply. With reductions in federal programs like SNAP, many families are turning to community food sources for help. First Fruits Farm continues to stand in the gap, supplying food banks, shelters, churches and service organizations throughout the region. 

As the holiday season approaches, First Fruits Farm is deepening its efforts through Operation Holiday Blessings – annual initiative that will provide more than 700 Thanksgiving meals to local families in need. This tradition reflects the heart of the Farm’s mission: “to share not only food, but also hope, dignity, and love in Christ’s name.”

The Farm is also launching its year-end giving campaign, encouraging supporters to come alongside its mission as it pushes toward the 6-million-pound mark. Financial gifts, volunteer hours and corporate partnerships are critical as the organization scales up to meet growing demand and prepare for the 2026 season. 

“We are entering the most meaningful and mission-critical stretch of our year,” Bernstein said. “With the generosity of our community, we can finish strong – and make sure no one goes without this holiday season.” 

To learn more about First Fruits Farm or to get involved, visit firstfruitsfarm.org.

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