Phoebe Ministries and Rodale Institute Come Together for Phoebe Organic Farm Groundbreaking Event

On a particularly sunny November 6 afternoon, leadership and staff from both the Rodale Institute and Phoebe Ministries, as well as members of the press, gathered at Rodale’s Founders Farm in Emmaus to witness a Groundbreaking Event for the upcoming Phoebe Organic Farm.

This collaboration between Rodale and Phoebe will set aside 10 acres of farmland to grow fresh produce for the residents of Chestnut Ridge. The produce will be directly incorporated into resident meals, emphasizing Phoebe’s farm-to-table mission to enhance food quality.

Rodale Institute’s longstanding history in regenerative, organic farming means that residents will receive food untouched by chemicals such as pesticides or fertilizers.

“Phoebe Ministries and Rodale will be producing the healthiest, precious, most nutrient-dense food for residents,” said Rodale Institute Chief Executive Officer Jeff Tkach in his opening remarks.

With attendees overlooking the vast Founders Farm property, Tkach shared Rodale’s history, attributing the modern-day organic movement to the very land they stood on. Organic agriculture has been proven to be healthier for both the planet and people. Rodale has embraced these natural processes throughout its 75+ year history, resulting in the highest quality food possible.

Scott Stevenson, President & CEO of Phoebe Ministries, explained that one of the farm’s future goals is to send food to even more Phoebe locations as the program gains momentum.

“We hope that the food we grow here will result in a surplus that can go to places like the Phoebe Apartments to keep food costs down,” said Stevenson.

Once the farm is fully operational in 2025, residents are encouraged to visit the property and, with the guidance of Rodale staff, tend to their own crops. This initiative creates new possibilities for resident gardening.

Tkach noted that residents will have a voice in what foods they want to see grown on the farm.

 “We’re increasingly disconnected from our food source,” said Tkach, stating that the Phoebe Organic Farm will allow residents to share a closer relationship with the foods they consume.

“This project reflects our shared values of healthier living and environmental stewardship,” said Stevenson. The Phoebe Organic Farm is the culmination of deep conversations and planning on how the two companies could come together.

Rodale and Phoebe have worked together previously through the acquisition of the land that now hosts Chestnut Ridge. This new project is an extension of that partnership.

After Stevenson gave his closing remarks, he and Tkach posed for a groundbreaking photo with shovels. A tractor driven by a Rodale staff member plowed a plot of land behind them to signify where future crops for the farm will be planted.

The remainder of the event consisted of the two companies sharing a moment of congratulations between sparkling waters, fresh fruit, and sandwiches.

To learn more about dining at Phoebe, look for the next edition of The Messenger magazine, which will be available digitally and in print later this year.