SPARKS, Md.– Saying it is seeking to kick off the new year with outreach to strengthen the local community and partners, First Financial Federal Credit Union has made a $30,000 donation to First Fruits Farm in support of its greenhouse initiative.
“First Financial Federal Credit Union's generous investment in the Farm's Greenhouse Initiative will help to support the construction of our fourth commercial greenhouse. This initiative has profoundly impacted our production capabilities - not only tripling the volume but also producing the highest-quality tomatoes, peppers, and lettuce, along with extending our growing season,” says First Fruits Farm Executive Director Rick Bernstein.
With the expansion of their greenhouse initiative, First Fruits Farm hopes to continue to increase their volunteer community annually. First Financial is one of many local organizations that have volunteered at the farm. For several years, First Financial employees and their family members volunteer by sorting and bagging pounds of farm-fresh produce that is distributed to those in need throughout the community.
“First Fruits Farm is so grateful for our longtime relationship with First Financial and its employees who regularly volunteer every year to support our mission. We always look forward to their annual day of service at the Farm and are truly blessed by this partnership,” said Bernstein.
In 2021, the Farm donated 2.4+ million pounds of produce to feed the hungry, welcomed 13,000+ volunteers of all ages, partnered with 80+ organizations to distribute their produce, and expanded its footprint to include Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Florida.