In 2020, as we were asked to physically isolate ourselves from each other and harmful feelings of disconnection and loneliness threatened so many people, the farm shouted louder than ever that connection is the natural way of being, and that connection can be found everywhere, especially when we turn our attention to working with the earth. Early that spring we heard from neighborhood elders how hard it had become for them to safely get groceries, especially fresh fruits and vegetables. At the same time, neighborhood teenagers wandered onto the land each day, seeking opportunities to engage and support their community without having to constantly be on screens. In partnership with Hawthorne Youth and Community Center (HYCC), the teens helped to launch a COVID-safe produce and grocery gift card delivery program for Highland Park seniors living near the farm. We received so much positive feedback in 2020 about the impacts of the program, that with the pandemic still strong, we decided to continue this program in 2021 and 2022. Thousands of pounds of food grown on less than an acre made their way into brown paper bags and into dozens of kitchens throughout summer and into fall. The amazing teen leaders who had sought out work on the farm in the spring participated in every step of the process – outreach, flyering, organizing, crop care, harvesting, washing, packing, and delivering. Every week, during our grocery runs, several of the seniors would be sitting in their windows to make sure they didn’t miss an opportunity to thank the teen dropping off their delivery. We got phone calls asking, “What in the world is this herb you sent me?” and neighbors shared recipes using the produce we had dropped at their doors. The network of connections built through this program was truly remarkable. Despite the pandemic, the farm helped to remedy threats of isolation and disconnection and nourished the bodies and souls of our neighbors in ways we couldn’t have imagined. 
Seniors shared a few words about the program:
- “Immense life saver!”
- “This is a wonderful program – I greatly enjoyed receiving local produce – it was some of the best vegetables I’ve had this year!”
- “The program was consistent with supplying veggies and produce. Its effect caused me to cook healthy meals weekly. I otherwise would not go to the grocery store and buy fresh veggies and produce.”
- “Biggest benefit was the enthusiastic teen farmers delivering and connecting with the Highland Park community.”