FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contacts:
Liz Snyder
Sustainable Community Gardens
Phone: 650-283-9360
Fax: 408-735-8166 �
Email: liz@fullcirclesunnnyvale.org
www.fullcirclesunnyvale.org
Tabitha Kappeler-Hurley
Santa Clara Unified School District
Phone: 408-423-2109
Fax: 408-423-2185
Email: tkhurley@scusd.net
www.scusd.net
Community rallies to support new neighborhood farm with orchard tree adoptions.
Sunnyvale, CA — Full Circle Farm, a project of local nonprofit Sustainable Community Gardens, is an 11-acre organic farm in the heart of Silicon Valley that provides education and volunteer opportunities to local school children and their neighbors.
“It’s important to have a neighborhood farm because we need fresh food and a place for neighbors to gather.” – Maxine Hallberg, Age 7, Laurelwood Elementary School
Apparently the neighbors couldn’t agree more. Full Circle Farm launched its Adopt-an-Orchard Tree Campaign just before Christmas and the response has been tremendous. To date, 42 orchard trees have been adopted by neighbors and supporters. Each tree that has been adopted for $200 will be planted along with a plaque containing a six-word dedication. Dedications so far have ranged from simple memorials to off-the-wall statements.
From “Tom M. – He made things grow” to “Erik and Kristin like this tree!” to “Tammy, your love keeps me blossoming” each statement is a testament to the neighborhood’s heart, humor, and creativity. Farm staff are hopeful that all 360 trees for the main orchard will be adopted, which will get the first crops in the ground this Spring, and kids on the farm the following school year.
“As the future stewards of our earth, we want our kids to know both the pressing need and the inherent joyfulness of growing food more locally. Full Circle Farm will not only expose our children to the joy of eating freshly picked organic food, it will help them see their own leadership potential in making both our community and our planet a healthier place.” –Pat Flot, President, SCUSD Governing Board
This was why, in February 2007, Pat and the whole of Santa Clara Unified’s Governing Board voted to lease the district land behind Peterson Middle School to the farm. Since then, the local nonprofit running the farm operation has been working to raise funds and awareness for the unique neighborhood farm. The amazing talents of community volunteers from all walks of life have made the breakneck start-up schedule possible. Says neighbor William Moeller, “Full Circle Farm is the volunteer opportunity I have been looking for in my community. It is a meaningful place where I can participate, where I can collaborate, in a program that generates enthusiasm and inspires dedication. There is so much intelligence and excitement behind the program. My contribution is not only desired, it is needed.”
Starting this spring, Full Circle Farm will plant their first crops, educate students about growing and eating fresh healthy food, and help create a unique resource built by, and for, the community!
