The Sweet Potato Project
Growing food for food pantries
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A Fun-Filled Day of Sweet Potato Digging!
The Sweet Potato Dig
A Collaboration Between
Stacey Farley, the Town of Philipstown, and Davoren Farm,
Along with Many Volunteers and Community Members
What is the Sweet Potato Project?
On this one-acre parcel belonging to The Town of Philipstown, we are growing 10,000 sweet potato plants for food pantries in our region. This model farm is an experiment. If we grow more food locally, distribute it more efficiently, and waste less food, we can reduce food insecurity in the Hudson Valley. If this farm model works, it can be replicated using the data we are gathering. This could be done in any community, and together we can ensure that everyone has access to healthy nutritious food.
More than one in ten people in our country are food insecure. This means children are going to school without breakfast, and people who might have two jobs are choosing between paying for gas or a medical bill, and buying food for their families.
Why are we farming here on this parcel of land?
The Town of Philipstown has generously allowed us to farm an acre of land on this field which belongs to the Town. Last year we plowed up the field, put in irrigation, prepared the rows for planting, and with the help of over two dozen volunteers, planted 10,000 sweet potato "slips." In October, 2024, with the help of over 120 volunteers, we harvested over 20,000 pounds of sweet potatoes which went directly to food pantries to feed thousands of people.
Why did we choose sweet potatoes for this crop?
We chose to grow sweet potatoes because they are high in nutrition, they grow underground all summer long, needing minimal attention and weeding, and the sweet potatoes can last a long time once they are harvested. They do not require immediate distribution because they are relatively non-perishable. We chose four different varieties, to see which yielded the largest and tastiest sweet potatoes.
What is The Big Dig?
The Big Dig is the day when we will dig up the sweet potatoes! In October we hope to have over 120 volunteers to help us with the harvest. If you have a shovel or pitchfork, please bring them! Come join us for a fun-filled day as we gather sweet potatoes and fill burlap sacks to be distributed to pantries in our region. If digging isn't your thing, there are plenty of other jobs, such as weighing, bagging, labeling, and distributing, so come be a part of this mission to reduce food insecurity in our region. See "The Big Dig" page for more information on the day, what to bring, and to register so we have a head count for refreshments. (Thank you for your interest in our project! Registration will open in August for The Big Dig 2025. Check back in the summer for more details.)
​When is The Big Dig?
It is currently scheduled for Saturday, October 11th, 2025, noon- 5 pm.
Where is The Big Dig?
Route 403, Garrison NY
The entrance is near 9D, across from the Desmond Fish Library. ​​