Keeping food on the table during the pandemic was especially difficult for some of the 251 families at the Ruth L. Bennett Homes in Chester, so a community farm was created.

The Benett homes are the largest federally subsidized public housing development in Chester.

The Ruth Bennett Community Farm helps feed them and others in need of fresh food, writes Ximena Conde for whyy.org.

Now in its second growing season, the 2-acre farm distributes free food for those in need.

It began as a community garden at the development about 12 years ago

Since then, the farm provides healthy, affordable food. A farmers market has everything from peppers and collards to eggplant and herbs.

With the pandemic, the farm now gives away about 100 boxes of free organic food every two weeks, a practice expected to continue through October 2021.

The Foundation for Delaware County, The Leo & Peggy Pierce Foundation and the CARES Act provide funding for farm operations.

 “Quite frankly, there’s a need for this kind of service on a regular basis in the city of Chester due to the lack of quality supermarkets,” said Steven Fischer, Chester Housing Authority Executive Director.

 Read more at whyy.org about this vital community garden in Chester.