Fun on the Farm
a day at monocacy farm project’s 2019 food fest
Sister Roseann Velas (center) pals around with Sister Regina Ann Rokosny (center) and Gena Tallarico, who were dressed as vegetable mascots.
Sister Marietta Bankos was delighted to have her sister and niece join her.
It was the kind of fall day where it’s warm in the sun and cool in the shade – pretty much perfect for fun and food outdoors at Monocacy Farm Project’s fourth annual Food Fest in September 2019.
Our property in Bethlehem, Pa., was filled with young families who brought their little ones to meet the animals, make fall crafts and enjoy outdoor fun. Adults perused unique foods and crafts, music, organic chocolates and craft wines and whiskeys.
The event highlights the good works of Monocacy Farm Project, which, through partnerships with community organizations, provides low-cost fresh produce to needy families in Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley and offers opportunities for green thumbs to farm their own plots and learn about sustainable food production. The 10-acre farming ministry was established by our sisters in 2013 to continue our century-long mission of helping the needy.
Along with Bob Drake, project director, Sister Bonnie Marie Kleinschuster has helped to grow the program incrementally in the past few years by securing grants from corporations and foundations who recognize the very real impact of putting fresh food on the tables of families who otherwise could not afford it. This year’s event drew 800 patrons and raised more than $20,000 to continue the farm’s good works.
To learn more, pick your own produce, donate, or reserve a plot for planting, visit www.MonocacyFarmProject.org.
