Genisys Credit Union Supports Forgotten Harvest Farms with Record Kale Harvest

OAK PARK, Mich., September 7, 2017 – Genisys Credit Union’s sponsored acre of land on Forgotten Harvest Farms has resulted in a record harvest so far this season. The acre was dedicated to growing and harvesting nutrient-rich kale that was then donated to residents of the Flint area and distributed by Eastern Michigan Food Bank.

Over 22,000 pounds of kale have been harvested to date. 30,000 pounds of kale is expected to be harvested this year by the end of the growing season. Last year’s kale yield resulted in a harvest of more than 17,000 pounds. Increases in yield have been due to the field being expanded and a quicker start to the 2017 season, and improved soil conditions though the implementation of a cover crop that fosters healthy soil and improves sustainability of the land.

"Genisys is thrilled to see a record breaking harvest this year." said Jackie Buchanan, Genisys Credit Union President and CEO. "We are proud to sponsor a program that will benefit many people in our community."

Genisys is dedicated to Making a Difference in their communities. In 2016 they sponsored nearly 600 community events while providing over 3,800 volunteer hours from Genisys staff, friends and family members. They plan to surpass those hours in 2017.

“The Genisys gift will enable families in the Flint area to receive nutrient-rich produce that might not otherwise be affordable or accessible them,” stated Forgotten Harvest CEO Kirk Mayes. “We are honored to play a small part in helping our Flint neighbors along with Genisys Credit Union.”

Forgotten Harvest Farms, located in Fenton, Mich., is in its fifth season of providing fresh, healthy food options for those in need in the metro Detroit and surrounding areas. In 2016, the Farms harvested 600,000 pounds of nutrient-rich produce, and a record 900,000 pounds are expected to be harvested this year.

About Forgotten Harvest

Oak Park, Michigan-based Forgotten Harvest was formed in 1990 to fight two problems: hunger and waste. Forgotten Harvest “rescued” over 45 million pounds of food last year by collecting surplus prepared and perishable food from over 800 locations, including grocery stores, fruit and vegetable markets, restaurants, caterers, dairies, farmers, wholesale food distributors and other Health Department-approved sources. This donated food, which would otherwise go to waste, is delivered free-of-charge to over 250 emergency food providers in the metro Detroit area. Learn more about Forgotten Harvest and how to help drive hunger from our community at www.forgottenharvest.org.