Kathy Barker, founder of Barker Farm Outreach received a 2024 Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and a $10,000 grant.
Barker Farm Outreach began when Kathy combined her experience producing fresh food with her desire to serve those in need. “The belief that nutritious, fresh food should not be reserved for the financially secure is deeply ingrained in me,” said Kathy. “This belief, fueled by my personal experiences, has ignited a fierce determination to bring about change.”
In 2013, after leaving an abusive marriage and becoming a single mother overnight, Kathy faced food insecurity. “I worked tirelessly, juggling three different jobs, yet it was still a constant battle to make ends meet,” said Kathy. “I desperately wanted to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for my family but struggled to afford them.”
After a memorable 16-hour workday, Kathy stood in the produce aisle, feeling humiliated and defeated when she realized she could not afford fresh raspberries for her children. “I will never forget how much it hurt my heart to put those raspberries back in the cooler and walk away,” said Kathy.
Three years later, after many prayers and online searches, God led Kathy to the land that would become Barker Farm. “Amid this land, I discovered thousands of wild raspberries,” said Kathy. “Once a luxury I could not afford, these raspberries now surrounded me and symbolized a new beginning,” added Kathy.
Barker Farm now ensures fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables are available to everyone regardless of economic status. When the farm produces at full capacity, it will grow 37,500 pounds of fresh produce for donation. “Bureau County has a food insecurity rate of 10.4%, equating to roughly 3,400 people,” shared Kathy. “We want to serve all of them.”
With the Nation of Neighbors grant, Barker Farm Outreach will build a greenhouse to grow plants from seeds, reducing costs significantly. “Receiving this grant means we can continue to work toward helping our community fight food insecurity by building the infrastructure of Barker Farm Outreach,” said Kathy. “We will also work toward acquiring a mobile market to deliver fresh produce to those who struggle with food insecurity and transportation.”
“Everyone needs a shoulder to lean on and a soft place to land,” said Kathy. “I like to think I not only nourish bodies by providing food but also nourish souls.”
