Farm for Better

A community-centered initiative by Carlton Hill Farm

Farm for Better is our commitment to using land, food, and local relationships to make high-quality, locally raised food more accessible to the people who need it most. Rooted in Appalachian values and practical farming, this initiative brings together neighbors, unused land, and surplus harvests to feed families—not landfills.

Farm for Better has five core components:

1. The Giving Harvest

Our commitment to feeding those in need.

  • We dedicate a portion of our own growing space to this program where fresh produce is grown by us and freely given to support local hunger relief.

  • Land partners in the Community Crop Collective contribute a portion of their harvest as well.

  • Products from the Crop Swap may also be redirected to support hunger relief efforts.

  • Food is delivered directly to local missions, food pantries, and community programs.

No paperwork. No questions. Just food, freely given.

2. The Kind Cut

Our flower-based hunger relief program.

  • 25% of all Carlton Hill Farm flower sales go toward purchasing pantry staples

  • Funds are used to buy shelf-stable groceries for local food pantries

  • Every bouquet sold helps stock shelves with the items families need most

  • There’s no application or eligibility—just direct, quiet support

  • Powered by flower lovers in our community

3. The Community Crop Collective

Our shared-land growing model. Through the Collective, private landowners partner with us to grow real food on underused land.

  • Landowners provide growing space.

  • Carlton Hill Farm handles the planting, care, and harvest.

  • The harvest is split:

    • 30% to the landowner

    • 50% to the farm to feed customers and maintain operations

    • 20% to The Giving Harvest

There’s no red tape. Every decision is local, every crop has a purpose, and every plot helps feed someone.

4. The Crop Swap

Our community food exchange program. The Crop Swap lets anyone trade shelf-stable groceries (like canned goods, beans, or pasta) for fresh farm food from Carlton Hill Farm.

  • No money changes hands—just food for food.

  • We stock the swap with seasonal items: eggs, produce, rabbit manure, and more.

  • It’s available at the farm stand and select community events.

The Crop Swap helps reduce food waste and ensures that families have access to nourishing, locally raised food even when cash is tight. We donate the shelf-stable items to local missions, food pantries, and community programs.

5. The Young Roots Collective

Our grow-at-home donation program for kids.

We give young people the tools to grow food at home and donate everything they harvest to families in need.

  • Open to kids ages 5 to 16 in the Parkersburg area

  • We provide a grow bag, soil, seeds, and simple instructions

  • Everything grown is donated to The Giving Harvest

  • Participants grow at home with help from their families

  • The farm keeps none of the harvest

  • No contests, just food, freely given

The Young Roots Collective helps kids grow more than vegetables. It fosters generosity, purpose, and a connection to community.

Interested or want to sign your child up for the Young Roots Collective? Limited spots available.
Fill out our interest form here.

When we grow together, we eat better.

***If you or someone you know could benefit from receiving a farm box or fresh food support, please reach out—we’re here to help.***

Want to get involved or learn more?
Visit us at the farm stand or email info@carltonhillfarm.com

Click here to read our official press release.