Lending Successful

Greenhouses For Heirloom Tomato Production

by Helping Hand Farm
Greenhouses For Heirloom Tomato Production

Helping Hand Farm is building two additional greenhouses to double heirloom tomato production and meet growing demand for local produce.

Project Summary
  • Location: Mays Landing, NJ
  • Products: Fruit & Vegetable
  • Loan Term: 60 months
  • Interest Rate: 8.00% APR
  • Repayments Begin: 6 months after disbursement
$26,000
100% of $26,000

Funded on 10/13/2021

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Overview

Founded in 2017, Helping Hand Farm is a sustainable heirloom tomato farm in Mays Landing, New Jersey with a mission to provide a workplace for people with disabilities for agricultural training and skill development. With a background in both social work and 20 years in the restaurant industry, owner Adrian Jankowski has melded his expertise to pursue regenerative farming that benefits an underserved community as well as the land. 

Helping Hand Farm’s sustainable greenhouse growing system has been shown to drastically increase yields, reduce water usage, and use less energy than conventional tomato farms. They currently have two greenhouses in operation, and one in the works. With increased capacity and sustainable greenhouse growing practices, Helping Hand Farm aims to supply fresh heirloom tomatoes and vegetables to their local community during the spring and fall shoulder seasons⏤putting a dent in the demand of tomatoes coming from other parts of the continent and reducing food miles for local consumers.


Use of Funds

A loan from Steward will provide funding to build two additional greenhouses, including the installation and hardware, hot water and heating systems, growing medium, organic fertilizer, labor, and land clearing. This expansion will allow Helping Hand Farm to double their tomato production, a critical step as they look to meet rising demand for their tomatoes, increase sales at farmers markets and deliveries, and enter new wholesale markets. Funds will also be used for bulk purchasing of labels and packaging, and to develop an eCommerce website.


Regenerative & Sustainable Practices

Helping Hand Farm combines modern growing techniques with long-established practices to enhance soil fertility, boost nutrient-density, and contribute to building a stronger local food system. Their regenerative and sustainable practices include:

  • Growing all naturally without the need for synthetic fertilizers or pesticides. For example, using minerals in ocean water to enhance flavor, increase nutrient-density, and extend produce shelf life.

  • Employing vermicomposting to utilize 55 gallon drums to compost all food and produce scraps on the farm. Adrian has maintained the same red wigglers for 8 years!

  • Utilizing biochar made from wood chips on site. Biochar is a carbon-rich charcoal that boosts the soil’s fertility and its ability to withstand drought or flooding, increases yields, and sequesters carbon.

  • Reducing water and energy usage by optimizing their greenhouse system. Adrian is able to cut back on water usage and harness sunlight to help power the farm’s energy needs.

  • Strengthening the local economy by providing learning and employment opportunities for people with special needs. Helping Hand currently employs two individuals, with the goal to expand the team to six as the business grows.

  • Minimizing food waste by donating surplus crops to local food banks. This diverts food that would otherwise end up in the compost while supporting efforts to increase access to fresh, healthy foods.
  • October 15, 2021

    Thank You !

    Hello. My team and I would like to take a moment to sincerely thank you for support. Theses funds will go directly into scaling up our business and building out a large greenhouse utilizing the next level of organic and sustainable growing.

    Regards

    Helping Hands Farm Team.

Greenhouses--$21,500: This includes the lumber, supplies, and labor needed for the construction and infrastructure of 2 greenhouses. 

Bulk Purchasing--$2,500: This includes the purchasing of labeling and packaging for tomato sales. 

Website Development--$2,000: This includes the buildout of a new website for Helping Hand Farm. 

Total Budget - $26,000


This loan will be made to Helping Hand Farm LLC, a New Jersey limited liability company, which grows and sells heirloom tomatoes for their local community. 

This loan will fund the build out of two greenhouses, bulk purchasing, and web development for Helping Hand Farm to expand their operations.

The total loan amount is $26,000  which will assist Helping Hand Farm grow and expand their business.

This loan is set at an 8% interest rate, with a 60 month term, and fully amortized monthly payments beginning 6 months after funds are disbursed.


Borrower Loan Agreement Download
Lender Participation Agreement Download

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