A Shared Purpose: People Helping People

Fuller Farms

For the past several years, the Interchurch Food Pantry has been committed to building relationships that help elevate the nutritional impact of the groceries we provide. Being in Johnson County is a tremendous advantage — our clients regularly benefit from the bounty of fresh, local produce available here.

Every now and then, grace appears in unexpected ways — through a new partnership, a surprise delivery, or a generous gesture. These moments remind us that nourishment comes not only from food, but from the kindness and connection of our community.

Fuller Farms Inc. has a simple, profound purpose: to provide healthy food for those who need it. Three years ago, Travis Fuller was inspired by a speaker at a Christian event who was passionate about community gardening, so he floated an idea to his friend, Rafael Sanchez: expanding his garden to serve the hungry. After all, he always had more than what he needed each year, and his neighbors grew their own produce. The two asked the pantry what they needed and dug in. In each of the first two years, the garden produced more than 3,000 pounds of fresh produce, which was donated to the pantry as well as the Cub Pantry at Custer Baker Middle School. Now in its third season, the garden has expanded exponentially, and future plans to serve the community are in the works.

“We have a sense of purpose, providing locally grown produce that benefits people’s health, but also to educate. We are planning to provide classes about nutrition and canning your own food as a start. And we want to continue to grow Fuller Farms to make an even bigger impact.”

-Travis Fuller

Over the winter, Fuller Farms constructed a high tunnel greenhouse with the help of a USDA grant. Travis enlisted his friend Adam Bennett to help with the greenhouse construction, and he continues to help with harvesting and delivery. Now they can germinate and start growing plants earlier in the season, including yellow squash, zucchini, broccoli, cauliflower, peas, onions, okra, and cabbage. This year, they started growing in March and have already harvested and donated nearly 900 pounds of produce to the pantry.

With the addition of the greenhouse, fresh produce will be available longer increasing healthy options for pantry clients in colder months. Another field has also been added this season and 16 colonies of bees have joined the farm at the back of the property to help with pollination through a partnership with a local beekeeper Doyle Burgess.

Future plans include chickens, infrastructure elements, classes, and a contemplation garden. Stay tuned!

We are grateful for Fuller Farms and their commitment to fighting hunger alongside us.

“The pantry is committed to helping people who are juggling money for food, rent, utilities, and other necessities. We know there is a need, and we are trying to be good neighbors by helping to feed people—and hopefully inspiring others to do the same.”

- Rafael Sanchez