Every year, RCM&D chooses well-deserving local nonprofit organizations to be the recipients of our year-round fundraising and volunteer initiatives. The result of these endeavors is commemorated during our annual Regatta event, a delightful waterfront festivity hosted at the picturesque Inner Harbor in Baltimore. Mark your calendars for this year’s occasion on Friday, September 20. As we approach this year’s celebration, we will shine a spotlight on our chosen beneficiaries, showcasing the incredible impact they make within our communities daily.
About First Fruits Farm
First Fruits Farm is a nonprofit, Christian ministry founded in 1998 by the Bernstein family, and is dedicated to providing fresh, nutritious food for the hungry through volunteer service and community partnerships.
2+ million Maryland residents find it difficult to pay for their basic needs and 700,000 Marylanders live in poverty and struggle with hunger. Since its inception, First Fruits has addressed these concerns, with over 27 million pounds of fresh produce harvested and distributed to food banks, shelters, schools, churches and other organizations throughout Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region.
Growing More Every Day
What began as a backyard garden project to grow food for charity now encompasses 281 acres and has evolved into the largest nonprofit farm operation in the Mid-Atlantic region. 100% of the Farm’s healthy produce is donated to those struggling with hunger—nothing is sold. First Fruits Farm proudly works with a diverse distribution network, currently comprised of over 200 organizations of all sizes.
First Fruits’ new distribution facility, which opened for its 25th season in 2023, was transformational for the organization’s operations and helps to further their mission each and every day. The impact of the 25th harvest season is clear, with 1.9 million pounds of healthy food grown and distributed, and 17,300 volunteers having served at the farm.
Joe Arther, Executive Director, Central Pennsylvania Food Bank, stated “for over 7 years, our Food Bank has relied on First Fruits Farm as a significant source of nutritious, locally grown produce for our pantries, soup kitchens, and other healthy food programs. We are excited about the strategic vision of the Farm as they expand growing and packing operations and increase educational opportunities.”
Learn on the Farm
First Fruits Farm provides free field trips, classes and other events designed to help students of all ages more deeply connect with nutrition, STEM, agriculture and more. Depending on the amount of time you can spend at the Farm, the organization will work with you to develop a plan that meets the needs of your students with hands-on experiences, aligned with what they are learning in the classroom.
How to Get Involved
Donate
Support of the Annual Giving Fund impacts all aspects of the Farm’s operations. Your generosity ensures the Farm has the necessary resources to bless those in need and continue on their mission to GROW MORE – GIVE MORE – SERVE MORE. Click here to learn more about donating.
Volunteer
The 2024 harvest season is here! Join the Farm during the volunteer sessions, running from July through October on Tuesday – Saturday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Volunteers at First Fruits will help in the fields harvesting crops and assist with packaging the produce in bags and boxes for distribution. No experience is needed to volunteer, and children are welcome! Click here to learn more and register for a volunteer session.
Learn More
View the website to learn more about First Fruits Farm and how it helps address the needs of residents in Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic region through providing fresh and nutritious food.