Sustainable and Affordable Local Farming to Feed York City
In the heart of York, one organization is transforming the way communities thrive and receive healthy food.
Founded in 2015, York Fresh Food Farms (YFFF), a nonprofit organization and the City of York’s first and only urban farm, was created with a clear mission: to cultivate community health through agriculture, access, and affordability. YFFF is committed to sustainability, following organic farming practices whenever possible with advanced commercial growing methods, such as utilizing regenerative cover cropping, various types of greenhouses, drip irrigation, and succession planting.
Located on more than four acres across two sites, the farm was established to address food insecurity and improve access to healthy food for everyone in the community. By growing produce directly within York City, the nonprofit ensures that residents, especially families living in poverty and in food desert neighborhoods, can receive nutritious food at a reduced price with ease of accessibility.
YFFF provides fresh, affordable produce from their farms year-round through their Mobile Produce Markets and their weekly FarmShares. Residents have the option to pick-up at the farm or have their food delivered, and can pay using a variety of methods, including SNAP/EBT, Food Bucks, Farmers Market Nutrition Program checks, and cash/credit/debit. Cash back in the form of Food Bucks are also offered for SNAP/EBT users.
All of York Fresh Food Farm’s endeavors are supported through partnerships.
Last year, York Fresh Food Farms opened a year-round stand at Central Market in York City thanks to a grant from the Powder Mill Foundation.
The Powder Mill Foundation has been a long-time, generous supporter of York Fresh Food Farms. Since we plowed our first rows at Willis Road in 2016, PMF has provided funding for start-up equipment, expansion of facilities to accommodate our growing enterprise, and support for getting fresh produce to the people of York City.
Patty McGuire, Interim Executive Director of York Fresh Food Farms
In the past 11 years since York Fresh Food Farms’ establishment, 15 mobile market locations were opened, and thousands of people have received food from them.
When a special need arises that exceeds our operating revenue and other contributions, PMF has always been willing to help us close a gap.
Patty McGuire
Beyond farming, the organization fosters community engagement through volunteer opportunities, educational initiatives, and community gardens. Residents, volunteers, and supporters all play a role in planting, harvesting, and distributing food. This collaborative model creates stronger neighborhood connections while teaching people about where their food comes from and why sustainable agriculture matters.
York Fresh Food Farms has positively impacted thousands of York residents and demonstrates how local agriculture can address hunger and create stronger communities.
I felt honored to have our small urban farm counted among Mr. Appell’s many contributions to York, and as we begin our second decade of producing and distributing fresh vegetables and fruit, I hope he would say ‘This is good work, keep growing.’
Patty McGuire
