Pittstown, NJ – August 19, 2025 – This July, at America’s Grow-a-Row (AGAR), over 800 children from underserved communities across New Jersey arrived on their farm, many for the very first time, and left with more than just fresh produce. They left with pride, purpose, and the joy of giving back to their families.
AGAR was proud to host their annual Kids Farm Days, a transformative program with children from communities including East Orange, Elizabeth, Hightstown, Hoboken, Jersey City, Morristown, Newark, Paterson, Phillipsburg, and Trenton. These children, ranging from kindergarten to high school, rolled up their sleeves to pick green beans, cucumbers, and zucchini, which they brought home along with juicy, farm-fresh peaches to nourish their families. Afterward, they gathered around the culinary station with Chef Shauna, who guided them in preparing a refreshing watermelon and cucumber salad, learning not just how food is grown, but how to create a snack together. One young participant from Morristown Neighborhood House beamed as they said:
"My mom is gonna be so happy that I'm bringing home all this food because we don't have to pay."
AGAR is not just feeding people, they’re fostering hope and dignity for families who may not have access to fresh produce otherwise.
Kids Farm Days, hosted annually since 2007, has been made possible through partnerships with vital community organizations and generous supporters. This year’s community partners included:
- East Orange YMCA
- Elizabeth Branch YMCA
- Boys and Girls Club of Hudson County
- Boys and Girls Club of Newark
- Joseph H. Firth Youth Center
- Mercer Street Friends
- Morristown Neighborhood House
- New Community Corp
- Oasis
- Rise Summer Camp
- Team Walker
AGAR also expresses deep gratitude to Consalo Family Farms, who has donated 14,000 pounds of produce AGAR this year and gave children at Kids Farm Days the opportunity to receive mandarins, cabbage, spaghetti squash, parsley, and radishes this summer. A heartfelt thank you to their funding partners, the Dunkin’ Joy in Childhood Foundation, QuickChek, and the Orange Orphan Society for supporting Kids Farm Days.
As summer fades, the impact of Kids Farm Days continues to ripple through homes and communities. Your support can help AGAR expand their life-changing program to reach even more children and families who need it most. Donate today to help AGAR ensure no child ever goes home hungry at www.americasgrowarow.org. Together, we can cultivate a world where everyone has access to healthy food and the joy that comes with sharing it.