Ethical, Accessible Fundraising Program Supports Family Farms In New Jersey

Hardworking New Jersey farmers are teaming with the Kiwanis and other nonprofits to fundraise and provide fresh fruit to consumers. Farmhouse Fruit affords organizations an easy opportunity to earn funds by selling fresh, sustainably grown, New Jersey fruit direct from family run cooperative farms.

Farmhouse Fruit is the sister company of Sunny Valley International, a supplier of imported fresh fruits and vegetables to the North American and Canadian markets since 1986. In 2015, the Jersey Fruit Cooperative teamed up with Sunny Valley to form Farmhouse Fruit with the objective of expanding the coop’s 11-year old fundraising efforts.

“This [effort] is a proven, healthy and ethical fundraising alternative to cookies, candy, and pizza,” says Chad Puschel, special project manager for Sunny Valley International in Glassboro, NJ. “An organization can raise money while supporting the multigenerational family farms of the Jersey Fruit Cooperative, reducing carbon footprint and eating great-tasting local fruit. We do a lot with Kiwanis Clubs and churches in Eastern and Central PA.”

For more than 11 years, the Kiwanis Clubs of Central/Eastern Pennsylvania have been using this successful fundraising program. “Last year alone, the Kiwanis Clubs running our program raised a total of $300,000,” states Puschel. “One Kiwanis in particular (located in Carlisle, PA) raised almost $30,000. Just imagine what this type of fundraising is doing for communities. For every item sold, a group can get $10 to $12 back.”

The Farmhouse Fruit program uniquely empowers those with fundraising needs to make money by selling something healthy and socially responsible. Organizations have the choice to sell either fresh New Jersey blueberries (conventional or organic), peaches/nectarines, cranberries, or apples. The apples and cranberries were new options added this year.

“Organizations will chose the fruit category based on preference, and more importantly, the dates of harvest, which must coincide with the requested delivery dates,” explains Puschel. “Farmhouse Fruit designed a few different pack options this year for each fruit category. Typically, our cooperative farms only offered a 10-pound box of New Jersey blueberries for the fundraising program.”

Now, Puschel explains Farmhouse Fruit can design a pack option that works best for the organization. “The best option would be 10# of blueberries, 8# of peaches, or 8# of cranberries presented in our Fundraising box with lid,” he says. “The box is sturdy and packs very well. We can also use our Gift Boxes to hold 6 pints of blueberries, 12 peaches, or six 12-ounce bags of cranberries.”

But no matter what option participants choose, Puschel notes the support is a win all around. “If supporters bought the fruit via the supermarket, they would spend the same amount of money. So for the same expense, they are purchasing local, sustainable, healthy, great tasting products and supporting a cause they believe in.”

The program encompasses roughly 11 small multigenerational family farms producing blueberries and peaches, with sustainability playing a fundamental role. “We use water-saving drip irrigation, Integrated Pest Management and solar power,” reports Puschel. “We’re touching all the sustainable bases. Our farmers like to leave the land in as good or better shape than when it was handed over to them.”

The online nature of the fundraising program makes it easier for smaller organizations and groups to market, promote and keep organized. “The fundraising organization is given a personal link to our website,” explains Puschel. “This can be pasted to social media updates and email newsletters. The link directs supporters to Farmhouse’s secure website where they can pay for and track their orders and eliminates the need for paper order forms.”

Fundraising organizations can count on Puschel to assist every step of the way. “My responsibility lies in assisting organizations of all sizes and shapes to understand how they can benefit from our program,” he explains. “If an organization wants me to come to them and present the idea to its board or committee, I can. I am able to design flyers and social media updates, join a group for fundraising planning, or provide creative ideas; all at no extra cost.”

More information on Farmhouse Fruit and its fundraising opportunities can be found at FarmHouseFruit.com, or by contacting Chad Puschel at cpuschel@sunnyint.com.

Source: PerishableNews.com