Overview of Programs

The projects and programs of Community Farms Outreach (CFO) are inspired by our mission, one that integrates hunger relief, education and the promotion of community farms.

CFO’s community is defined by our location in an urban environment, members who participate in our programs, and the extended network of individuals and groups who support our mission and goals. From CFO’s inception, members and volunteers have formed the core of this community.

The promotion of community farms is central to our mission.

We believe that farming is a valuable and honorable occupation.

We subscribe to farming methods that respect natural systems and enhance the health of our environment and community.

We celebrate the beauty of fertile fields and the taste of heirloom crops.

Our farm, Waltham Fields Community Farm (WFCF), supports local hunger relief efforts by providing fresh produce to local food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters. Since its germination in the fertile minds of an idealistic crew of gleaners in 1995, WFCF has donated over 150,000 pounds of produce.

We seek to reconnect people with the knowledge of how food is produced. Children and adults learn about plants, food production and farming when they come to WFCF to work in the fields and greenhouse. Guided by experienced staff, they sow seeds, transplant seedlings, weed and harvest crops. Educational opportunities include a number of paid and unpaid agricultural internships for adults interested in farming and farmland preservation.

Foundations that have generously supported our educational and food relief work in 2003 include the Jane B. Cook 1992 Charitable Trust, the Charles and Sarah Goldberg Charitable Trust, the Robbins De-Beaumont Foundation, Draper Laboratory, the Green Leaf Foundation, the Architectural Heritage Foundation, the BankNorth Charitable Foundation, and Foundation M. In addition, we received money from the Massachusetts Vitamins Litigations Settlement Fund.