Boston Area Gleaners is securing a new home to get more food to more people.
After 15 years of growth and over 9 million pounds of nutritious food distributed for food-insecure families, the Gleaners have outgrown our current facility. In response, we are moving forward with a $4.1 million campaign to secure Stonefield Farm in Acton as our new, permanent home.
After 15 years of exponential growth at Boston Area Gleaners, our current facility can no longer accommodate the volume of food we are moving through the supply chain.
Stonefield Farm in Acton is a 50-acre property that provides ample space for our operations as well as opportunities to expand our programs and serve even more people. Our fundraising goal of $4.1 million will not only allow us to purchase the property, but will also let us make necessary improvements to enhance our operational efficiency.
This new site will provide:
10,000 square feet of cold storage for fresh produce
6,000 square feet of dry storage for packaging and supplies
Office space for the whole team
Processing space for sorting, washing, and packing food
Parking for staff, volunteers, and equipment
Two loading docks to accomodate large trucks
20+ acres of agricultural land
With a new home, the Gleaners will get more food where it's needed.
The Gleaners will operate year-round and increase food distribution by an estimated 4.5 million pounds annually
Our location in a geographic 'sweet spot' relative to our partners will reduce travel time to farms by 40% and increase the efficiency of our distribution routes by 35%.
We will expand the geographic reach of our food recovery and distribution efforts.
Grow the Gleaners' Programs.
This move will allow the Gleaners to support a better food system with more accessible and diverse programming.
New opportunity to grow specific, culturally-appropriate crops for hunger relief
Agricultural land will support emerging farmers
Nearby commuter rail and bike trails expand access for staff and volunteers
Property purchase will preserve 50 acres of open space, including farmland, recreational hiking trails, and wildlife habitat