Fencing Out Hunger, Growing Hope.

At first glance, the community garden on Boal Avenue looks like any other patch of farmland. But the rows of melons, kale, and tomatoes hold a deeper purpose: feeding the one in eight people in Central Pennsylvania who face food insecurity. According to Feeding America, 13% of our neighbors struggle to access enough food. Think We Not Me (TWnM) is determined to change that—one harvest at a time.

Last year, TWnM delivered more than 45,000 pounds of fresh produce to 17 food distribution partners, including State College Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and St. Andrew’s Community Café. This was no small feat for a program powered entirely by volunteers. Community volunteers are recruited during planting and harvest season.

Church groups, scouts, Penn State student organizations, corporate teams, and individuals all answer the call. In some cases, like with Penn State’s Lion’s Pantry, the very consumers who benefit from the program also lend a hand in the fields. Other dedicated volunteers return weekly to weed, irrigate, assess harvest readiness, and maintain fences and equipment.

In past years, these volunteers often faced heartbreaking setbacks. The fencing around TWnM’s Boalsburg field was regularly breached by deer, groundhogs, and rabbits. In 2023 alone, hundreds of seedlings were destroyed in just a few nights—representing more than 1,000 pounds of zucchini, squash, and cucumbers that never made it to harvest. Mature crops like melons were also hit hard, with wildlife damage cutting yields by as much as 20%. To adapt, TWnM shifted some plantings toward potatoes and corn, which are less in demand by clients but also less attractive to animals.

With support from Centre Foundation’s Denny Gioia and Judy Albrecht Endowment Fund, TWnM was able to install new fencing and upgrade its irrigation system before the 2025 planting season. The results have been dramatic.

• Kale production: From total loss in 2024 to a full harvest in 2025—a 100% increase.
• Melon yield: On track for a 120%+ increase compared to last year.
• High-value produce: 1,000–1,500 pounds of additional food expected this season, equal to  $3,000–$4,500 more donated produce.

That means more lettuce, tomatoes, squash, and cucumbers—foods that food banks and community kitchens say are in highest demand.

Bill Zimmer, President of TWnM commented that “Our new fence enables TWnM to sustain a positive impact in Centre County”.  Jim Leaman, Director of Common Foods in Port Matilda, which offers help and support to the food insecure in Central PA said. “During the summer season, we have no other sources of vegetables that are as varied and dependable as what we get from the TWnM program.”

Pastor Sarah Voight, Penn State Campus Minister and Director of the Wesley Foundation in State College, agrees: “We try hard to increase the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables we offer. TWnM really fills the gap in that way.”

Their comments sum up the benefit that TWnM provides to the food insecure. With a 100% return on grant funding projected in just the first year, this investment is paying dividends in nutrition, dignity, and hope for Centre County families, while inspiring a community of volunteers who now see the fruits of their labor flourish.

To learn more about the organization or to volunteer, visit their website at www.thinkwenotme.org.