Become a Friend of the U-Pick

The U-Pick is a free space where anyone can harvest fresh fruits, vegetables, and herbs. There are no gates or exclusions, Just a shared agreement: take only what you need!

Over the years, the U-Pick has become a meaningful staple in Franklinton. It’s a place where families stop by on a walk, where neighbors say hello to one another, and where anyone can access fresh produce at any time, all year long.

Now we’re in the midst of our biggest expansion yet. We recently added a high tunnel to help extend the growing season through the winter and increase the amount of fresh food the farm can provide to the community year-round.

This summer, we’re launching curated U-Pick sessions every Sunday from 9 - 11am beginning June 7th. These guided sessions are designed to give participants hands-on experience harvesting their own food while building the tools, confidence, and knowledge needed to use the U-Pick as an ongoing community resource.

Your support helps keep this project open, thriving, and evolving to meet the needs of the neighborhood.

Why This Matters Right Now

Across the country, many food banks and nutrition programs are facing an uncertain future as funding shifts and resources become more limited. At a time when more families are relying on food assistance, many organizations are being asked to do more with less.

Instead of creating another system people have to apply for or navigate, the Community U-Pick keeps things simple. No applications, forms, or processing times, just immediate access to locally grown food, right in the neighborhood, as simply as picking a tomato off of the vine.

What your donation supports:

  • Seeds, tools, and growing supplies

  • Labor to plant and cultivate crops

  • Improved pathways and accessibility through the garden

  • Better signage and wayfinding so visitors know what’s ready to harvest & how to harvest

  • Educational programming that aims to teach people how to harvest, cook, and incorporate vegetables into everyday meals

If you believe fresh food should be something neighbors can count on, please consider becoming a Friend of the U-Pick.

What It Means to Be a Friend of the U-Pick

Friends of the U-Pick are neighbors, families, and supporters who believe everyone deserves access to fresh food and meaningful connection to the land.

By becoming a Friend of the U-Pick, you help sustain a space where learning, nourishment, and community can grow side by side.

Whether your gift is large or small, recurring or one-time, every contribution directly supports the future of this program.

Donate Here