Everyone here at View of Heaven Farm expresses our heartfelt gratitude to KOVAR - a Virginia Knights of Columbus charitable organization - for granting the farm $21,844.
KOVAR, a 501(c)(3) tax exempt charity, was established in 1971 to empower nonprofit organizations with financial support to improve access to affordable housing, job training, sports participation, and personal care for Virginians with Intellectual Disabilities.
Michael Carducci, Secretary of the Board of Directors, and Christopher Miller, Past Grand Knight and honoree of the award, came to present a plaque to the farm team on October 26, 2023.
The VOHF grant in the amount of $21,844 allowed the farm to purchase a new commercial freezer, a commercial oven, a bread machine, the hydroponic systems, benches (tables) for the greenhouse to house over 2,000 plants, four picnic tables, and a variety of kitchen supplies to set us up for a second fully functional baking team.
The greenhouse is now fully operational with two hydroponic systems and plant tables and we are growing several types of lettuce, spinach, kale and bok choy - allowing our farm team to work year-round instead of being shut down for the winter. We can also start our seeds on the greenhouse benches for next year’s crops. In the bakery, our capacity has doubled with the additional equipment, allowing us to grow both the bakery team and our output of delightful baked goods. Lastly, the whole team is appreciative of the ability to have lunch outdoors, make flower bouquets, have meetings and work at the picnic tables.
With appreciation and gratitude to KOVAR and all they do,
Allison Schumacher
Farm Manager