PALM CITY – The newly constructed Palm City Farms Produce & Market is hosting the Palm City Pumpkin Patch to help raise funds for its partner project with House of Hope – a large scale production garden to grow healthy food for Martin County residents experiencing hunger and hardship. The upcoming farmers market situated at the corner of Highway 714 and Citrus Boulevard is setting aside a half acre of its land to assist House of Hope in supplying their four Client Choice pantries with fresh fruits and vegetables. As the project will require garden supplies and building materials, Palm City Farms Produce and Market is inviting the public to support the project by purchasing Halloween pumpkins at their inaugural Palm City Pumpkin Patch fundraiser from Oct. 14 – 31.

To add to the festivities and overall “local grown” theme, the Palm City Pumpkin Patch has invited area growers and artisans to set up a pop-up greenmarket Saturday, Oct. 21, and Oct. 28. Food vendors will be on-site including Circle Bar C Dairy Goats, Hani Honey, Cherokee Hobby Farm, and the South Fork FFA’s barbecue booth. Children will enjoy face-painting and pony rides hosted by Amazing Dream Makers.

“We are honored to be partnering with this community-minded new business, the Palm City Farms Produce & Market, on this much-needed production garden project and grateful that they are stepping up to help raise money for our new endeavor by hosting this pumpkin patch,” said House of Hope CEO, Rob Ranieri. “This also helps bring awareness about our mission to the western part of our county and creates a convenient new location for Palm City residents to come choose the perfect pumpkin for their Fall festivities while supporting a local cause.”

The Palm City agricultural community has also embraced this project with several volunteers from the Martin County Young Farmers and Ranchers, and The Martin Grade Rustlers 4H signing up to assist pumpkin shoppers each weekend from Oct. 14 through Oct. 31. Volunteer opportunities are still available for this fundraiser and interested volunteers may contact House of Hope volunteer manager, Lauren Mustelier, at (772) 286-4673 x1004.

The Palm City Pumpkin Patch is located at 3706 SW Citrus Boulevard in Palm City and starting Oct. 14 will be open 7 days a week from 9 a.m. until dark.

Founded in 1984, House of Hope touches the lives of about 6,000 people per month with services that include basic needs — food, clothing, furniture, financial assistance — and long-term case management that helps people build life skills for a more self-sufficient future. The agency has service centers and thrift stores in Stuart, Hobe Sound, Indiantown and JensenBeach. House of Hope recently opened the Golden Gate Center for Enrichment in Stuart offering the community free programs, technology, and workshops designed to enhance life skills, earning potential, health and overall well-being.

For more information about House of Hope, visit hohmartin.org or call (772) 286-4673.

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