New Growth Project
Rockford, MI
New Growth Project is a nonprofit farm in Rockford, Michigan, that creates paid jobs for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities by growing food for the community. The organization notes that a large share of adults with cognitive differences in Kent County are without work, and it answers that with jobs in farming, in making products for the home, and in putting together gift boxes.
The farm is MAEAP certified and describes its approach as relying on biology rather than chemistry. According to the farm, its land has been kept free of chemicals for as long as anyone can remember: the original owners worked it for more than 40 years, and New Growth Project carries on those same practices. Employees work in the greenhouse, the fields and the market, helping to grow vegetables and then clean, package, label and sell them. Besides chemical-free vegetables, the farm store offers fresh flower bouquets, the farm's own Field & Wick apothecary line, and local honey, coffee and spices. The farm also runs a CSA and sells at the Rockford Farmers Market on Saturdays during the season.
New employees start in a role that fits their current skills so they can see success right away. From there, a peer-mentoring program helps them learn new skills, grow in confidence and independence, and earn a fair wage.
Products from New Growth Project
- Local Adirondak Blue Potatoes $3.49 · 1lb
- Local Annina Eggplant $4.49 · 1 unit
- Local Ariba Jalapeño Peppers (White) $5.50 · 1 lb
- Local Basil $3.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Bell Peppers, Green $4.99 · 3 peppers
- Local Black Magic Peppers (Dark Green) $5.50 · 1 lb
- Local Collard Greens $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Cucumbers, Salad $3.00 · 1 each
- Local French Fingerling Potatoes $4.49 · 1lb
- Local Garlic $12.50 · 1 lb
- Local Green Cabbage $4.49 · 1 head
- Local Kale, Green Curly $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Kale, Lacinato $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Kale, Mixed bunch $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Kale, Red Curly $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Kohlrabi, Purple $2.00 · 1 unit
- Local Kohlrabi, White $2.00 · 1 unit
- Local Mint, Apple $3.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Mint, Chocolate $3.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Mint, Pineapple $3.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Mixed Beans $5.49 · 1lb
- Local Red Potatoes $3.50 · 1 lb
- Local Serrano Peppers $6.50 · 1 lb
- Local Shishito Peppers $8.50 · 1 lb
- Local Sweet Banana Peppers $4.50 · 1 lb
- Local Swiss Chard $4.00 · 1 bunch
- Local Yukon Gold Potatoes $4.50 · 1 lb