By Liz Nolan, Contributing Writer
Northborough – The Middle School Youth Group at St. Rose of Lima had 50 students participate in a morning of service on the farm at Community Harvest Project (CHP) in North Grafton on September 19.
The Northborough-Southborough Public School District did not have school on this date due to the observance of Yom Kippur.
CHP is a nonprofit farm started in the 1970s that engages volunteers to grow fresh fruits and vegetables to provide to those experiencing hunger throughout Worcester County.
Students had the task of harvesting the pepper crop and picked 575 pounds of peppers, which feeds 1,725 people. They also got their hands dirty and pulled 10 rows of plastic up from an area where the crops were done for the season.
The students saw firsthand how their work would impact other people. The produce they picked was already being washed and boxed for distribution by other farm volunteers as the students were finishing their shift.
The Youth Group is led by parents Tricia Silva, Sue Ogar, Maribeth Grandpre and Liz Nolan and incorporates activities and events that are fun, service-oriented and faith building.
More information on CHP volunteer opportunities and programs can be found at www.community-harvest.org.
