LOCAL NEW AMERICANS AGRICULTURE PROGRAM AWARDED $30,000 FROM HANNAFORD

LOCAL NEW AMERICANS AGRICULTURE PROGRAM AWARDED $30,000 FROM HANNAFORD

Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success to invest in expanding access to locally grown produce

 

Dunbarton, NH — Earlier this week, Hannaford Supermarkets presented a $30,000 donation to Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). The donation will help the group to expand the production and distribution of food from its farm in Dunbarton to low-income families and allow 15 low-income young people from Manchester and Concord to learn about farming.

 

“ORIS epitomizes the ways in which food brings people and communities together—and we are so fortunate to have them as a part of our community,” said John Fifield, Director of Operations for Hannaford. “Their commitment for getting more locally grown produce onto the dinner table is a value that Hannaford shares. And because of that, we are proud to support the farmers and staff at ORIS.”

 

Since 2012, ORIS, an ethnic, community-based nonprofit, has aided in the resettlement of refugee and immigrant groups in New Hampshire by providing assistance, training, resources, and opportunities that promote self-sufficiency. The organization provides hands-on learning for immigrants to help them translate the experiences of their native countries into the skills needed to operate unique, successful farm businesses in New Hampshire. Currently, there are 30 farmers—primarily from Somalia, Congo, Bhutan, Burundi, and Kenya—farming the land in Dunbarton and Concord.

 

“We are very grateful for Hannaford’s support and commitment to the farmers of ORIS. Hannaford’s early support helped us purchase the land and now this donation will help us get more fresh food out into the community and expand the number of people we can introduce to farming,” said Mukhtar Idhow, Executive Director of ORIS. “They’ve become a great partner and friend to us.”

 

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About Hannaford Supermarkets
Hannaford Supermarkets, based in Scarborough, Maine, operates 181 stores in Maine, New York, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Hannaford employs more than 26,000 associates. Additional information can be found at www.hannaford.com.