An opportunity to support garden education in SW Colorado

[Ben Goodrich]

This summer has gone by quickly thanks to the long days of planting, weeding, and harvesting in our gardens here in Southwest Colorado. Spending time in the soil tending to fruits, flowers, and vegetables has been a complete joy. But most importantly, I have been able to share my passion for agriculture with the next generation. 

I serve as the Executive Director of a small nonprofit, the Montezuma School to Farm Project which works with students of all ages. Our focus includes; food production from seed to harvest, food preparation, and instilling the importance of resource conservation in our complex growing climate. I am continuously impressed by the effects that time spent outside or days of physical work have on their attitude, their behavior, and seeing their confidence grow when completing a complex task.   

As many know, the anxiety of our future rests hard with students who are now living more through their screens than with the land beneath their feet. I continue to see a disconnect between their food and the importance of a resilient food system.  I also notice an overall cynical attitude toward their future.  As hard as it is to accept, I have found the best way to combat this is by engaging students in an experience of growing food for themselves, their community and showing them what is possible through a long day of work.  This summer our school gardens grew over 5000 lbs of fresh produce and fruits that went home to students and helped stock the local food pantries that struggle to stock fresh foods.

I am writing to you today to ask for your support in this program. 

Each year our nonprofit participates in Colorado Gives Day. From now until December 6th our fundraising receives a boost of matching dollars from the Colorado Gives Day fund. Your donation will go directly to the students of Montezuma County through our hands-on garden-based lessons, supplies, and support through 2023. Montezuma School to Farm Project is a registered 501(3)(c) and all donations are 100% tax deductible and 100% appreciated.  A small donation goes a long way in helping to keep this program going as well as sharing or forwarding this message to your friends and family. 

Click here to Donate today 

Thank you so much for your time and I look forward to sharing our successes in the future. I hope you have a safe and happy holiday.  

Best,

Ben Goodrich | Executive Director

Montezuma School to Farm Project

(P) 970-317-4808

202 W North St

Cortez, CO 81321

www.MSTFP.org