"The Food Project not only teaches the importance of a sustainable lifestyle, but engages youth in learning how to sustain and enhance their own communities. Now more than ever it is essential that we support such programs in order to continually improve our communities and our citizens," said Congressman John F. Tierney who was joined in the fields by his wife Patrice, volunteers from Electric Insurance and students from Beverly, Lynn, Lynnfield, Salem, Rowley, Ipswich, Gloucester, Danvers and North Reading.

Every year, the Food Project employs 140 teens who, along with thousands of volunteers, work on 43 acres of farmland, ten of which are in communities that Congressman Tierney represents.  Youth leaders typically work 35 hours a week during the summer and about 10 during the school year. They are involved in harvesting and preparing produce for sale and for distribution to local charities, as well as staffing stands at local farmers' markets. Youth leaders are also encouraged to take public transportation to and from work, and to mentor their younger coworkers.

"We were thrilled to have Congressman Tierney and Patrice Tierney join our morning of service on the land on July 13th.  It was rewarding to highlight the inspiring work that happens on our farms with hundreds of volunteers each year.  And it had a major impact on the youth in our programs to have such a real experience with John Tierney, centered around healthy food for the local community," said Melissa Dimond, North Shore Director, The Food Project, Inc.

"As an organization that has received funding as a result of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, with strong support from Congressman Tierney, it is great to be recognized for our service to the local community.  His visit meant a lot to us.  We learn about State and Federal Representatives in school, but they never seemed like real people.  Getting to meet John Tierney reminds us that no matter who you are, food connects us all," added The Food Project's North Shore Summer Intern Team.

Through their work creating a sustainable agriculture system, the Food Project hopes to create a thoughtful and inspired community of youth and adults dedicated to giving back to their communities.  Since its founding in 1991, the Food Project has been truly groundbreaking in its emphasis on youth leadership and encouraging youth to affect change within their hometowns. They remain dedicated to assisting the communities they work in, and each season approximately 50% of the quarter million pounds of produce grown each season at Food Project sites is donated to local food pantries and soup kitchens.

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Photo Caption: Tierney joins Food Project participants in the Beverly fields.