The Harvest of Hope program was initiated to help the people of Kitui increase their water supply and improve food security.  To begin with, land is donated or rented for a year and local farmers plant and harvest a crop.  Agribusinesses support the project by extending favorable prices for, or donate, seed or fertilizer.  Individuals, parishes and communities also get involved by providing resources to cover costs in excess of donations.  After a crop is harvested and sold, the proceeds are sent to the Foods Resource Bank.  These funds are then donated to Kitui to assist with the water preservation projects.

What is unique about the Harvest of Hope project is that the land itself becomes a vehicle for solidarity.  We’re trying to harvest greater food security for the Africans; we’re trying to harvest greater hope and faith together; and we think there is beauty in striving together as one universal Catholic family.

When the delegation from Kitui, Kenya came to visit in the fall of 2006, a Harvest of Hope celebration was held at St. Michael’s parish in Farmington, MN.  They were able to experience the harvest of the donated crops during their time here.

Learn more about the Foods Resource Bank at
www.foodsresourcebank.org >>

If you’d like to know how your parish might participate in this program,
please contact Mickey Friesen at
friesenm@archspm.org
or call 651-291-4445.