Vassar College
EN-10: Community Partnerships

Poughkeepsie Farm Project (http://farmproject.org/) The Poughkeepsie Farm Project is a non-profit organization that works toward a just and sustainable food system in the Mid-Hudson Valley by operating a member-supported farm, providing education about food and farming, and improving access to healthy locally-grown food. While the PFP functions as an independent organization, it operates on 10-acres of farmland on lease from the college and receives ongoing support from Vassar student interns and volunteers. Vassar students volunteer, receive field work credit, or may be paid through the Federal Work Study Community Service Assistant Program. Students may work in the office, with the Education program on the farm and in schools, and with the farm crew. Additionally, each summer, Vassar offers a $3200 stipend to one student to work as a full-time employee with the Education Program at the PFP. In 2017 the partnership was expanded when Vassar providing funding to construct 2 hoop houses so that the PFP could increase their year-round growing capacity. Vassar purchases produce from the hoop houses for use in Campus Dining, providing a new revenue stream for the non-profit. The PFP bases all of their work in a firm commitment to food justice and has strategic partnerships with local agencies including: Dutchess Outreach, Bread of Life, and Hudson River Housing, and the Poughkeepsie City School District. The PFP has a number of low-income shares available in their CSA program, CSA members become shareholders in the organization. Through the PFP's education programs, Poughkeepsie high schoolers are provided mentorship and guidance and are empowered to develop the direction of their time with the organization.