Read Kira's Story
From opportunity to mighty impact
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"My favorite part of being involved in the Farm to Heart initiative is just being part of something bigger than myself.
An outreach that goes beyond providing for ourselves and being able to provide something that is special in its own right.
I think when you have put your heart and soul into growing something from the very beginning, there's definitely a sentimental element to it. But I do think that that creates it's a product that is unmatched because it's got a little bit of you in it too.
I know that sounds kind of crazy, but that's what it feels like from this end. And it's again, hugely rewarding."
Welcome to Community Voices
Uplifting stories that showcase the unique and joyful experiences of our community within Farm to Heart (and beyond). Read on to discover how we partner with our members to co-create a food system that nurtures, reduces waste, and builds a thriving community.
Meet Kira Potter
Background
Kira and her husband are local farmers and supporters of Farm to Heart. They have been part of the April Joy Farm CSA for fourteen years, but in 2022, they took on a new challenge: building a farm from the ground up.
Before joining the Farm to Heart initiative, their experience within the April Joy CSA would have them exploring new ways to help their local community gain more equitable access to the nourishing foods they'd been enjoying all these years.
Their experience with the April Joy CSA also made Kira develop an even deeper passion for food and an understanding that not all food is created equal or nourishing:
"I've really developed this passion for food. And I have learned food is such a big part of wellness, and not all food is created the same. I mean, it doesn't look the same or smell the same or taste the same, but especially, it doesn't all nourish our bodies the same."
Once Kira and her family found themselves living in a more rural setting and had access to land, an important question emerged: how can we help?
Sustainable for few
Starting a farm is as rewarding as it is challenging for seasoned and emerging farmers alike.
Many farmers would, of course, love the opportunity to support initiatives like Farm to Heart, but the current state of farming has its challenges.
"It, unfortunately for us, has not been this quick turnkey process, mostly because of our farm contribution. We've really had to build and start from the ground up."
According to the 2022 National Organic Research Agenda (NORA) from the Organic Farming Research Foundation, 59% of farmers say that managing production costs is a considerable challenge¹.
With costs going up and few opportunities for mentorship², without support from an initiative that shares the risk and costs they face every day, farmers struggle to be able to provide for others, let alone themselves.
Is it really surprising that only 4% of farmers can make a living off farming³?
At the Farm to Heart Initiative, we’re committed to sharing the risks that come with working in agriculture with farmers who join, which helps farmers like Kira and her husband and our community thrive.
Opportunity knocks
Though starting a farm is no easy feat, Kira joined the initiative because she considers being part of it as an opportunity not to be missed. After all, it allows them can help nourish people not just in their family but their local community:
"When there was an opportunity to kind of level out the playing field so that more families could have access to this incredible food, we couldn't wait to be part of it.[...] And because we see being able to use this land to feed people is just such a wonderful thing."
For Kira, Farm to Heart is an aligned fit for their farm because of its focus on the local community, farmers, and the land and its unwavering dedication to making more opportunities for equitable access to food.
Cultivating a thriving farm
After a challenging first year, the farm is quickly expanding its offerings, and Kira and her husband are excited for what's to come. Kira credits April and Brad's supportive mentorship with setting them up for success:
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“Because of where we're at with our family farm, joining the Farm to Heart Initiative has actually taught us how to sell food.
So this is truly our crash course in how to do this. And Brad and April have been so helpful and informative.
They are a wealth of information. I've been so forthcoming with any advice and sharing all that they know with us, and we've really appreciated that.
But yes, we are learning all sorts of wonderful things. And through the Farm to Heart Initiative, we're actually learning how to sell our own food.”
Although the farm is in its early years, Kira loves how accessible it has been for her and her family to make a contribution both on and off the farm.
“To have an opportunity to grow real food and enough to be able to share with others has really been its own reward. And we are thrilled to be part of this mission, even if it's in the smallest way."
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So would I recommend the Farm to Heart initiative. Yes. Yes. If you are somebody who desires beautiful, wholesome, nutritious food for your family, I can't urge you enough to contact April Joy Farm and find out how you can be involved in the Farm to Heart Initiative.
If you are someone who has space to use to grow something, anything at all, I'd say do it and get intouch with Brad and April. And if you are in a position where you can give money and be a donor to this amazing initiative, all I can tell you is that your money and your time, and your efforts will not be squandered. Being part of this amazing program, it is something that can be trusted and it is doing so much good for so many people on so many levels.
To build a thriving ecosystem, we rely on building partnerships with farmers like Kira, who help expand our offerings and nourish our community with love and support. Congratulations Kira and we can't wait to watch your farm expand and grow.
Thank you, Kira for sharing your story with us!
*Farm to Heart shares include eggs from April Joy Farm.
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