History and Mission

History

Montclair Community Farms (MCF) was established in 2011 through a collaborative effort between Home Corps, United Way, and the Montclair Health Department. The primary aim was to create a platform where young individuals could cultivate and vend vegetables while concurrently enhancing accessibility to affordable fresh produce within local neighborhoods.

Subsequently, the venture expanded in 2012 with the inclusion of Montclair State University and Essex 4-H, incorporating an extensive educational and service learning aspect. The fall of 2012 marked the addition of the Montclair History Center and the Rutgers Master Gardeners to bolster food production and farming capacity.

By 2013, this collective partnership birthed the Montclair Community Farms Coalition, serving as the guiding force behind the Montclair Community Farms project.

Over the years, MCF has furthered its impact through initiatives such as the Mobile Farmstand, dedicated to providing nutritious foods to seniors and lower-income residents in Montclair and Essex County.

Mission

To serve as a local hands-on resource that engages and educates the community through urban farming, affordable food access and healthy living. At the heart of Montclair Community Farms is its Coalition, partners, and community volunteers.