Several of our staff had the chance to tour Benevolence Farm, a 13-acre farm located in Alamance County supporting women coming home from prison.
Benevolence Farm provides transitional housing and employment for women with all conviction types, rooted in the belief that supportive environments are essential for inspiring lasting change. Farm residents gain skills in sustainable farming, small business practices, and food preparation and presentation in a space that also nourishes their physical, financial, and spiritual wellness. Residents care for and contribute to farm operations as they pursue their own growth and success.
In 2018, the farm moved its focus to handcrafted body care products, growing herbs and flowers using raised-bed, permaculture methods. The use of herbicides and pesticides is avoided as much as possible. Every product made uses ingredients grown right on the farm. Candles, lotions, and soaps are infused in-house. Looking toward the future, the farm hopes to expand their product line and is interested in growing more medicinal plants. You can now find many Benevolence Farms products at the Co-op! We picked up our first order during our visit.
Beyond programming for residents and conscientious agriculture, Benevolence Farm partners with other local businesses like Lo & Behold Naturals (another DCM vendor!), Trendy Nailz Salon (a Lakewood neighbor!) and Haand, a porcelain tableware company in Burlington. Benevolence Farm helps the community grow in everything they do!
When we asked the team what they wanted us to share, they said they want folks to know how much the farm helps the community and that each item is a labor of love. The residents put a lot of work into every product.
The Co-op is proud to be the farm’s first wholesale partner, and we are excited to see them grow. Visit the Co-op to shop Benevolence Farm products, and be sure to check out their website or Instagram page to learn more about the organization and ways to support their mission!