October 2025 Newsletter
Rooted in Growth and Connection.
As the seasons shift, we’re reflecting on the collective impact that grows when community, collaboration, and purpose come together. This month’s newsletter highlights the many ways our programs, partners, and supporters are helping advance a culture of health — from deepening connections across the Southcoast to creating pathways for a more equitable, sustainable future.
Read on to see how together, we’re cultivating change from the ground up.
Farming and harvesting fresh produce to feed our neighbors in need
What a night! We had a packed house at this year’s Boogie at the Bog, and together we raised an incredible $45,000 toward our goal of purchasing the “Harvest Hopper” — a zero-emission refrigerated van that will help us transport fresh, local produce to food pantries across Southeastern MA.
We’re just $30,000 away from reaching our goal — Even more exciting? An anonymous donor has pledged a $15,000 match to get us over the finish line! Please help us reach out goal and double your impact with this generous $ for $ match. [Donate Here]!
Thank you for helping us achieve nearly a zero-waste event for hundreds of attendees — proof that sustainability can be celebrated. [See how we did it here], please consider adopting some of these practices the next time you host!
Interested in securing your 2026 sponsorship? Contact Christy [here].
We’re SO Close to Raising What We Need for the Harvest Hopper!
Together, we raised an incredible $45,000 toward our goal of purchasing the “Harvest Hopper” — a zero-emission refrigerated van that will help us deliver fresh, local produce to food pantries across Southeastern MA.
And there’s more good news — an anonymous donor has stepped up with a $15,000 match to help get us to the finish line!
Double your impact today and help us reach our goal! Thank you!
A coalition advancing regional food security through equity and sustainable systems
2025 Food Summit: Strengthening Aquaculture Through Coastal Wastewater Advocacy
On October 3, 2025, the Southcoast Food Policy Council brought together more than 95 community leaders and stakeholders at UMass Dartmouth’s School for Marine Science & Technology for the 6th Annual Food Summit: Strengthening Aquaculture Through Coastal Wastewater Advocacy. The event examined how wastewater infrastructure affects local shellfish farming and explored collaborative solutions to protect and sustain the region’s aquaculture industry.
Interested in joining the coalition to address Aquaculture farming closures and Combined Sewer Overflows? Email Christine.
HARVESTING SURPLUS | SHARING ABUNDANCE | STRENGTHENING COMMUNITY
Harvesting surplus crops, feeding neighbors, and building community across Southeastern Massachusetts
Sweet Success: Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust
This season, our Fields to Families program has harvested and donated over 1,700 lbs of fresh fruit through our farm partnership with the Fairhaven Acushnet Land Preservation Trust (FALPT)— including strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, and apples.
These fruits were distributed to six local food pantries and pantry partners, as well as through our Cooks for Community pilot program, ensuring that neighbors across the Southcoast had access to something that’s often missing from food relief efforts — fresh, local fruit.
Did you know? Only about 1 in 10 emergency food programs regularly receive fresh fruit donations — making this partnership a truly impactful step toward healthier, more nourishing meals for our community.
Thank you to every volunteer who helped pick, pack, and deliver — your hands and hearts made this sweet season possible!
Farm-to-school program promoting health, sustainability, equity, and ecological literacy
Teachers Take Root in Farm to School Learning
Our expansion schools (Old Hammondtown & Rochester Memorial) joined educators from across the district for a Professional Development Day at AD Makepeace. Together, we explored the program and Frogfoot Farm to get some hands on experience on how garden-based learning can enhance classroom lessons and build stronger connections between food, environment, and wellness.
Read more about the expansion in our press release.
Welcome Heather Zine!
We’re excited to welcome Heather Zine to the Marion Institute team as our new Executive Assistant! A Wareham native with a strong background in nonprofit administration and a passion for health, sustainability, and food security, Heather brings a wealth of experience — and a deep connection to our mission.
New Blog Post – Ending Data Won’t End Hunger: Why USDA’s Decision Puts Millions at Risk
Keep Hunger Visible
For over 30 years, the USDA’s Household Food Security Report has been the nation’s leading source of data on hunger — helping shape programs like SNAP, WIC, and School Meals. Now, the USDA has announced it will end this critical report, leaving policymakers, advocates, and communities without reliable national data on food insecurity.
Ending data collection won’t end hunger — it will only make it invisible. Learn why this matters and how you can take action:
Craft a meaningful legacy through the Marion Institute’s Legacy Society with planned gifts, impacting our mission in perpetuity.
If you’ve designated a planned gift, or have questions about our Legacy Society, please reach out at legacy@marioninstitute.org or 508-748-0816, ext. 118.
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