PETER HOUGHTON
Holly Hill Farm partners with over 40 schools on the South Shore and Greater Boston area.
Just 24 miles south of Boston lies Holly Hill Farm, located along scenic Jerusalem Road in Cohasset. This certified organic farm is the only working farm in Cohasset and boasts six generations of ownership by the White family. In 2002, Frank and Jean White created the nonprofit Friends of Holly Hill Farm, which currently runs the operations. They now grow year-round, and you can find fresh produce and flowers at their farm stand every weekend.
The farm is dedicated to organic, sustainable, and regenerative farming practices. Education is a key driver, and they host a variety of workshops, dinners, and special events like classes on wood-fired cooking, gardening workshops, an introduction to safe foraging for mushrooms, and even a kitchen medicine class.
Connecting with youth is another area of focus, and they offer age-appropriate classes with on-farm education and field trips. The farm partners with over 40 schools on the South Shore and Greater Boston area.
Holly Hill Farm is also committed to supporting the community by donating thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local food banks. Over 4,500 pounds of produce was donated in 2023, more than doubling the previous year’s contribution. They also have Holly Hill Farm Shares, a program to provide free healthy organic food to local families or individuals facing financial hardships or food insecurity. Any family enrolled will receive gift cards to be used at the farm stand.
Frank and Jean White (above) created the nonprofit Friends of Holly Hill Farm in 2002. Photo Credit: Holly Hill Farm
If you would like to volunteer, there are opportunities for individuals, corporate groups, and community groups to participate. Only 65% of the costs for Friends of Holly Hill Farm are generated by the farm and educational programs, with the rest covered through donations. You can find various ways to donate, gift, or match on their website, or you can become a member.
Holly Hill Farm
236 Jerusalem Road
Cohasset, MA 02025
(781) 383-6565
www.HollyHillFarm.org
These are just four examples of the many resources available and the variety of ways one can help. To learn more about programs, initiatives, or partners in your area, you can visit the Greater Boston Food Bank at gbfb.org/need-food. They have a Partner Agency Locator map where you can enter your zip code and find food assistance options in your area.
These initiatives by Clements’ Marketplace, Elliot Farm, Holly Hill Farm, and Sharing the Harvest demonstrate the profound impact that local businesses can have on enhancing food security and supporting community well-being. By addressing the basic need for food, they enable individuals and families to focus on higher aspirations and contribute to a more stable and thriving society.
Peter Houghton and his wife Inge have lived on the South Shore for over 25 years. During the fall, he enjoys the outdoors, hiking and camping, cooking outside, and spending time with family and friends.
