In 1991, Lindentree Farm owners Ari Kurtz and Moira Donnell began what would become one of Food For Free’s longest-standing programs: Field of Greens. A former Food For Free board member from the 1980s, Ari began donating several rows of Lindentree’s rich soil in Lincoln, MA to grow lush, nutrient-dense greens. These leafy vegetables were given freely to Food For Free for distribution within its emergency food network. When this partnership became an official Food For Free program, “Field of Greens,” an intentional spin off of a popular movie of the time, Field of Dreams, was born. 

Since the inception of Field of Greens over 30 years ago, and every season since, Ari has supported the program with countless hours and energy by providing land, tools, supplies, labor, and invaluable know-how to guide Food For Free staff and volunteers through the growing season from May to November each year. 

“Many hands have helped grow the crops in the Field of Greens over the years,” Ari shares. “And every spring there is new hope that good nutritious food can reach everybody in our communities, so we keep on growing.” 

The size of the plot of arable land that Ari has donated to Field of Greens has grown over the years to be over one half acre. Through the toil of our volunteers working hundreds of hours each growing season, Field of Greens yields over 8,000 pounds of colorful, nutrient-dense produce, such as cabbage, carrots, broccoli, beets, tomatoes, bok choy, squash, cucumbers, eggplant, and so much more. 

The Field of Greens program has grown and evolved throughout the years. For years, the main program recipient for the harvested produce was the Pine Street Inn, the largest homeless services provider in New England. This program partnership provides the opportunity for residents in the Pine Street Inn’s cooking program to enjoy the freshest, highest quality produce all season long. At one point, the Field of Greens grew collard greens as part of a special campaign that involved exclusive distribution of the leafy green to local restaurants and donations solicited for Food For Free when the collards were used in a dish. As harvest volumes have grown, Food For Free has continued to put the produce to good use in their distribution network of food pantries, community centers, schools, and more. 

While Field of Greens has been a valued program for over three decades, Food For Free’s growth as an organization in the past few years has required our team to pause and assess how to best deepen community impact. As Food For Free responded to meet the exponentially higher needs of the community during and since the height of the pandemic, our operations have more than doubled in size. This growth has required us to streamline and shift our program areas of focus. 

Both Lindentree Farm and Food For Free have come to realize that the time, volunteer, and resource support pouring into this niche farm program would be better supported by a nonprofit that specializes in this type of work with farms – such as the Boston Area Gleaners! Resultantly, we are excited to announce that the Boston Area Gleaners, a close partner with Food For Free, will be taking over the Field of Greens program with Lindentree beginning with the 2023 harvest season, and will distribute the produce within their network moving forward. 

Food For Free has been fortunate to distribute the vitamin-rich, organic produce grown through Field of Greens for over 30 years, serving thousands of individuals faced with food insecurity. We’re grateful for the commitment from Lindentree Farm and loyal volunteers throughout these decades, and their tireless work to enhance the local food system to nourish the people who need the produce most. 

We’re also grateful that Field of Greens will continue harvesting, just with the produce distributed in a different vehicle. And, it goes without saying that Food For Free will be forever grateful to Ari Kurtz for his commitment and generosity throughout this beautiful partnership! 

We thank you, Ari, from the bottom of our hearts!

If you are interested in volunteering with Field of Greens this season, please fill out this form to work directly with Lindentree Farm.