When Local Farmers Thrive, Our Communities Do, Too!
Harvest Helpers is Rise’s community-centered food security initiative that supports local farms while increasing fresh food access for SNAP households and local community shoppers. Using a double incentive model, Harvest Helpers provides farmers with guaranteed reimbursements while helping families afford more fresh, locally grown produce.
About Harvest Helpers
Harvest Helpers is made possible through the Harvest the Future grant, which is funded by the Tepper Foundation’s Food Security Access Fund and supported by the NJ Office of the Food Security Advocate. This collaborative initiative was designed to help nonprofit organizations like Rise strengthen New Jersey’s food security system at the local level.
By empowering our local farmers and families, Harvest Helpers demonstrates how small local communities can drive BIG change!
Harvest Helpers – Grow More. Earn More. Feed More.
This Rise initiative is about more than just providing increased healthy food access—it’s about creating lasting opportunities for both farmers and families. By strengthening the foundation of our local food system, we can ensure that our community has access to healthy, sustainable food while supporting the individuals who make it possible.
How does Harvest Helpers double your sales?
The primary approach of Harvest Helpers is its Double Incentive Program that allows our SNAP households and neighbors to double their benefits when purchasing fresh produce at local farmers’ markets. This means that for every $1 spent using these benefits, farmers receive $2 – helping individuals & families afford more nutritious food while strengthening economic opportunities for local farms and markets. By increasing the affordability and accessibility of fresh food, the initiative enhances community well-being while driving sustainable income for farmers.
Why Join?
- Increase Your Customer Base – More shoppers looking to use their benefits at your stand or farmer’s market.
- Guaranteed Reimbursements – Up to $15,000 in total allocated for participating farmers.
- Marketing & Promotion – Your farm/farmers’ market will receive free marketing and promotional support.
- Community Impact – A direct role in improving fresh, healthy food access and health outcomes.
How to Get Involved
Join Harvest Helpers today to Grow More, Earn More, and Feed More in local communities!
Click below to sign up today for Harvest Helpers. For questions or to obtain more information, please email us at harvesthelpers@njrise.org
Who Can Participate and Partner?
We welcome all farmers, but we prioritize:
- Small-scale farms (defined by ≤18 acres or earning <$250,000 annually, with priority for farms earning $25,000-$50,000).
- Farmers located in or actively selling within Mercer County, NJ, and its surrounding communities.
- Producers of fresh fruits and vegetables eligible for SNAP purchases.
- Farmers willing to accept and track Harvest Helpers vouchers.
- Growers engaged in local food systems (farmers’ markets, CSAs, food pantries, etc.).
Together, let’s rise to build stronger, healthier, and more food-secure communities!
