Help us....

What to do:

• Copy and paste below template into your email  

• Personalize (3 items in bold need your info)

• Email to chelmsfordgrow@gmail.com or just reply to this email.

• Email Subject line: “Koulas Task Force” 

• Make sure your name and address are on the letter and you put your name at the end

• Please send the email by Monday January 15, 2024

Thank you so much for reading and for considering supporting this exciting new possibility.  

If you have any questions please contact us at chelmsfordgrow@gmail.com

Copy and paste the below letter and send your personalized letter to: chelmsfordgrow@gmail.com

LETTER OF SUPPORT TEMPLATE

[Your First and Last Name
Your Street Address
Chelmsford, MA 01824] 

[DATE]

Koulas Taskforce
Town of Chelmsford
50 Billerica Road
Chelmsford, MA 01824

Subject: Support for establishing a Chelmsford Grow-a-Row farm on town land that provides fresh produce to food insecure residents.

Dear Members of the Koulas Taskforce:

I hope this letter finds you well. [I am a resident of Chelmsford and Grow-a-Row volunteer or supporter if that is true] 

[Personal Connection:  Please write in why you personally think this initiative would make a difference, or what your role in Grow-a-Row has been or how you would hope to be involved in a community farm or why you think it's important for the town to set aside land for this purpose.] 

I am writing to express my strong support for the proposal to establish a farm on town land to grow vegetables for residents who face food insecurity. We ask the Town to consider dedicating 2 acres of the newly acquired Koulas property, on the farmable plot of land between I-495 and Pine Hill Road, to be used as the home for this new farm. We further ask that the Town allow Chelmsford Grow-a-Row, a community initiative led by Chelmsford’s backyard gardeners, to run this farm which will provide food, community engagement and educational opportunities contributing to the overall well-being of Chelmsford.  

As I am sure you know, food insecurity is a pressing concern affecting a significant portion of our town population. Project Bread has released statistics as of August 2023 stating that 18.4% of Massachusetts households continue to face food insecurity. Organizations are working tirelessly and heroically to address this problem throughout the state and in-town. However, the problem continues to be greater than we are currently able to address.  

Over the last 3 years Grow-a-Row volunteers have grown produce valued at over $25,000 and donated it directly to local partner organizations who give it to people facing food insecurity. Chelmsford Grow-a-Row currently operates from the backyards of our volunteers and in several plots at Sunny Meadow and Wotton Street Community Gardens. With the allocation of 2 acres at the Koulas Property, Chelmsford Grow-a-Row would have the capacity to scale up production through consolidating its work and volunteers at one main location, using season extending methods like a hoop house or greenhouse, and by having a place to wash, store and pack donations. This increase in production would go directly to the partner organizations allowing them to significantly increase the number of residents to whom they can provide fresh produce. This location could further be used as a hub of local volunteerism and education on sustainable farming practices.  

Thank you so much for considering this request and recognizing the positive impact it could have in our community. We are sure there are many interests in this property and all are valuable. We hope that as you make your decisions on how it will be used that you put aside 2 of those farmable acres to create this farm. Together we can make a significant difference in the lives of people facing food insecurity now and build resilience in our town for the future.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

If you can prefer, access the files here: