This story originally appeared in The Centre County Gazette.
BOALSBURG — In 2008, Master Gardener-trained Bill Zimmer and Norm Knaub grew gardens on their properties with the common goal of donating the food to area food banks.
Ten years later in 2018, Ken Lipson offered to use a portion of his property to join their effort.
A year after that in 2019, 25,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables — with half grown by Penn State — was donated to all Centre County food banks.
“Everything that (Think We Not Me) grows or acquires is donated to 33 different sites throughout Centre County,” Edie Bikley, Community Outreach and Volunteer Coordinator, said in a statement. “These sites include food banks, fresh express locations and community outreach programs.”
Last year in 2025, Think We Not Me donated 82,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables, and in 2026 the organization is working on hitting the 100,000 pound mark, Binkley said.
“We are an all-volunteer organization, so we depend heavily on donations from the local community to keep us going,” Binkley added.
Each year, Think We Not Me has grown, and grown, and grown.
In 2020, the volunteer base of TWnM grew to over 50 people, grower locations increased to five and the Centre County food distribution centers the organization supports reached 19.
In 2021, output reached 33,000 lbs. with contributions from additional gardeners, including 1 acre of sweet corn from the newest field on Fox Hill Road.
2022 started with Think We Not Me’s incorporation as a 501(c)(3) non-profit, and gained access to two orchards. The year saw a diminished harvest, however, with a late spring frost and mid-summer drought decreasing output to 22,000 lbs.
2023 and 2024 garnered 41,000 and 46,000 lbs., respectively, of fruit and vegetables grown and donated. Binkley, along with Kari and Tom Reyburn assumed leadership roles in field activities and the coordination of volunteers and distribution.
“Growers and volunteers are the backbone of our effort, but our program would not exist at its current level without the financial and advisory support from Centre County business, philanthropic, religious and education organizations,” Binkley said.
The vision remains to provide fresh, locally grown vegetables and fruit for free as part of Think We Not Me’s effort to eliminate food insecurity primarily within Centre County.
Currently, everything that Think We Not Me grows or acquires is donated to 33 different sites throughout Centre County. These sites include food banks, fresh express locations and community outreach programs.
Growers
- Zimmer Field — The field has about ½ acre under management and a 12-tree fruit orchard. The field provides Canary and Crenshaw melons, cauliflower, seedless watermelons, and assorted red, yellow and orange peppers. Bill Zimmer also arranges for the growing of over 4,000 seedlings to be grown by all participants.
- Lipson Field — This is one of the larger gardens in the food growing program. Last year this land provided 6,000 lbs. of produce for the county food banks, growing peppers, eggplant, multiple squash, melons and more. The location also serves as a primary distribution location for pickup and delivery.
- Knaub Field — These home gardens are a showcase for various seminars and classes.
- Fox Hill Farm — This 2-acre field near the University Park Airport was made available by the University Park Plaza Corporation. The organization has arranged for water service and equipment to maintain the sweet corn that will be planted. The property is planted and maintained by Don Irvin.
- Kuhn’s Tree Farm — This is a family-owned farm seven miles east of State College that has been in business for nearly 40 years, providing families with the perfect tree and lasting memories every Christmas season. Marianne Kuhns has generously offered several acres of her property for the cultivation of potatoes and corn. With extensive support from farm Manager Doug Banker, thousands of pounds of produce have been delivered from here.
- Calvary Harvest Fields — Pastor Dan has graciously donated the use of an acre of the church grounds for the cultivation of potatoes.
- Cramer Farm Cramer Farm — This is a CSA located in Howard. They have been in business for 25 years and grow carrots, onions and watermelons.
- Oliver’s Path — This is an organic farm located in Warriors Mark. They grow carrots and sweet potatoes as well as many seedlings in one of their greenhouses.
Volunteers needed
Volunteers can help with the organization’s mission to provide fruit and produce to meet the need in Centre County by coming out even once or choosing on ongoing schedule. Shifts are typically one to two hours twice a week, and activities are geared to individual physical abilities and interests.
Volunteers are needed in these areas:
- Field Prep: Spring and fall, removing plant debris, tilling fields, laying down or picking up weed-control fabric, applying soil amendments, raking or moving rocks and other materials.
- Planting: Staggered plantings in spring and late summer ensure a variety of crops. Teams of four to eight people plant seeds and seedlings for two-hour periods.
- Cultivation: During growing season, volunteers weed, loosen soil, and apply amendments and fertilizer.
- Harvesting: Picking corn, tomatoes, broccoli, lettuce, melons, and more. Some crops require bending or working on hands and knees and volunteers are always matched to activity according to physical ability.
- Distribution: Drivers are needed to pick up and deliver goods to drop-off locations. Drivers must be at least 25 years old, have their own vehicle and insurance, and be capable of lifting boxes up to 50 pounds. Need is generally two hours a week, July through September.
- Administrative: Assist the program coordinator with volunteer and delivery coordination, Free Garden Project coordination, and updating the website. One to two hours a week average, phone and computer skills needed.
For more information, visit thinkwenotme.org.
