Progress Sprouts in a New Greenhouse Down at the Farm

You may see something shiny, clear, and new next to the Moose Hill barn. Our farm now has its very own greenhouse, thanks to a $318,000 federal grant.

Food Donation Program

The Farm at Moose Hill is largely known for its summer CSA, where customers can pay for a share at the beginning of the year and then pick up fresh, organic vegetables at the barn for 20 weeks. But it also participates in a large food donation program.

Just last year, 13,000 lbs of food was donated to organizations such as Lovin’ Spoonfuls, the Boston Area Gleaners, and the Sharon Food Pantry. The farm also participates in local farmers’ markets that take place in areas that have limited access to fresh food and accepts SNAP & HIP to make the organic vegetables more accessible for everyone.

Grant for Construction

Thanks to our efforts to provide food security to those in need, we applied for and was awarded a grant from the $26.3 million Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program announced by Governor Maura Healey. Moose Hill was one of 165 projects that received funding throughout the commonwealth.

With this grant, we built a new 30-foot by 72-foot greenhouse next to the barn. Construction wrapped up in June and it immediately was put to use housing garlic that needs to dry for a while before distribution.

How the Greenhouse Will be Used

For past seasons, farm staff utilized a rented space in a greenhouse offsite or bought seedlings for things like the Native Plant Sale. Now, with our own greenhouse, staff not only save valuable time but this temperature-controlled space will expand what we can do “in house.” This including starting our own seeds earlier and being able to manage the entire seedling stage straight through to planting.

The greenhouse also gives the farm the expanded benefit of wintering over some plants; cure onions, garlic, winter squash, and sweet potatoes; dry herbs and flowers, and increase storage capacity.  We estimate a 10 percent increase in food production in the first year alone, thanks to this additional space.

And, with the ability to start our own seedlings, we plan to bring back the Native Plant Sale in the spring. The growing and selling of native seedlings helps our community increase biodiversity and support local pollinators.

Where to Find Our Vegetables

The farm participates in two offsite farmers' markets and hosts a farmstand in the barn on CSA pick-up days, where you can purchase fresh, organic veggies at an affordable price.

4 Moose Hill Street, Sharon

June 5 to October 18, 2024
Wednesdays and Fridays, 2:30-6:30 pm

Mattapan Square, Corner of Cummings Highway and Fairway St.

July through October
Saturdays, 10:00 am-1:00 pm

La Salette Shrine, 947 Park Street, Attleboto, in the field behind overflow parking lot

July through October
Saturdays, 9:00 am-1:00 pm