Ways to help with flood recovery.

The farms, organic community gardens, and infrastructure on the Grow Food Northampton Community Farm were devastated by the July 10 Mill River flooding. Since then, we have been hard at work with cleanup and steps to protect this vital piece of farmland for our farmers and gardeners. We have been moved by the outpouring of support from our community. Thank you.

Nearly 600 community members have contributed $86,000 to GFN’s Flood Relief Fund. Checks have gone out to the farmers who lost crops and to community gardeners who rely on the harvest from their plots. We are continuing to prioritize getting resources to those who were most impacted by the flood, and determining necessary repairs to farm infrastructure. 

At the Community Farm, 200 volunteers have joined work parties to clear trash and debris, and begin preparing for the next growing season by cleaning up plots and garden beds, weeding, and cover-cropping. This fall, volunteers will also help plant perennial trees and shrubs for flood resilience.

There are lots of ways to get involved in the cleanup and recovery work:

Donate – To support Grow Food Northampton’s work to protect the Community Farm and strengthen the greater Northampton community’s food system, please donate here.

Volunteer – Sign up here to join work parties, cleanup crews, and other efforts. No experience necessary.

Spread the Word – Share social media content posted at the links below.t.

Support Local Farmers – Buy local whenever possible and make sure you reach out to the farmers you know to offer help.

Stay in touch – Join our mailing list here.

More Information About the Flooding:

July, 2023 Update:

We have been amazed and moved by the tremendous support and concern coming from all corners of the Grow Food Northampton community during the past few days. Thank you so much to everyone who reached out to express solidarity, offer their volunteer time, and share their hope for a strong recovery.

We have begun the process of assessing the damage on the GFN Community Farm. Nearly all of the 10 farms on the land were impacted, with at least two experiencing total crop loss and others partial loss. Sheds were capsized, fences ripped through, and tools and other materials were pulled by the force of the water to distances of as much as a quarter mile or more. Some things will never be found, and other equipment like water pumps and irrigation lines, were irreparably damaged. In addition, most of the Organic Community Garden flooded, and gardeners who rely on their plots to feed their families lost all of their beautiful produce that they’ve spent weeks and months tending and anticipating.

While it may be some time before we know the full extent of the damage, we know that it is significant, and we know the road to recovery will be long. We will continue to update you on the impact of the flood and how we plan to rebuild. We’re confident that this community can come back stronger.