CFR Donor Spotlight: Cedar Ridge Community Church

CFR Donor Spotlight: Cedar Ridge Community Church 

For September’s blog, we reached out to our contacts at Cedar Ridge Community Church, Ruth and Tinica. We wanted to highlight Cedar Ridge as a prolific and consistent donor of fresh produce to CFR. They made their first donation to CFR in 2018 and have donated a whopping 16,294lbs (13,589 meals) since joining the network. These donations have been shared with 24 unique food assistance providers. Since the 2023 Summer growing season, they have been making consistent donations to Kingdom Fellowship Community Development Corporation Hub. Read on to learn what Ruth shared with us about Cedar Ridge: 

“Cedar Ridge Community Church sits on a beautiful 63-acre property consisting of woodlands, meadows, and a stream. Almost 20 years ago, we began a consultation process to determine how best to use these wonderful resources for the good of the broader community. Since that time, we have restored the historic buildings, removed invasive species, established ‘no-mow’ meadows, planted a native pollinator garden, positioned bird boxes along our fences, kept bees, built a labyrinth, and installed a small playground. A reflective nature trail runs through the peaceful property, which is open to the public during daylight hours. In addition, close to 8 acres is now dedicated to solar power production—which provides sustainable and affordable electricity to 350 households, with at least 30% of those being low- to middle-income families.

Our half-acre fruit and vegetable farm began operations in 2009. Each year we grow about 2 tons of organic fruit and vegetables, which are all donated to local organizations serving food-insecure families. The aim of the farm is not just to provide food but to raise awareness of hunger in Montgomery County, and to inspire volunteers to take action for food justice. Kids also earn SSL hours, learn about the environment and the importance of good nutrition, and are encouraged to eat more veggies—having lent a hand in growing them.

Over the past 16 growing seasons, we have partnered with Manna Food Center, Interfaith Works, Linkages to Learning, Shepherd’s Table, and various other organizations to ensure our fresh produce reaches the people who need it most in a timely and efficient manner. We first signed up as a donor to CFR in 2018 and have greatly appreciated the ease of working through this program. Having volunteers come to the farmhouse to pick up the produce soon after it is harvested allows us to focus on production secure in the knowledge that our partners will take care of delivery and distribution.

Our weekly harvest totals fluctuate over the course of the season from less than 100 lbs of spring greens and strawberries in May to the late summer harvests of over 300 lbs. I never cease to be amazed at how well the volunteers can fit so much into their vehicles, while being careful to ensure nothing gets crushed or bruised. Most of our produce this year went to Kingdom Fellowship Community Development Corporation Hub. They requested our produce through CFR, and it was a great fit for us both. They have large numbers of clients with a variety of food preferences—so our tomatillos, okra, and sweet potato leaves all find a good home. 

At the end of each growing season, we celebrate with a harvest festival, at which pumpkin carving is a popular activity. This year we were surprised to harvest 88 lbs of pumpkins that grew of their own accord from seeds that had been discarded at last year’s festival. Our harvest festival this year is on Saturday, October 12 from 4-7 p.m. and everyone is welcome to join us!”

We are so inspired by the dedication and work of the team at Cedar Ridge. They are such an important part of the CFR network and demonstrate an organization going above and beyond to serve the residents of Montgomery County experiencing food insecurity. We are so grateful to work with them.