The Need for a More Reliable Food System
Ensuring communities have consistent access to fresh, nutritious food.
What We Do
Much of the food distributed through the emergency food system comes from surplus supply or donations. While this support is incredibly important, this system of supply does not ensure that food security programs have consistent access to the type and quantity of food required to serve their communities.
For organizations operating food pantries and community kitchens, the ability to predict supply and reliably access the ingredients needed to prepare balanced meals is essential. When supply is inconsistent, these organizations face difficult challenges—fewer people may be served, meals become harder to plan, and, ironically, food sometimes goes to waste.
Tenmile Farm Foundation was created to help address this gap by ensuring that food access programs have reliable and predictable access to the food and support needed to serve their communities.
Our Mission
We grow fresh produce and other staples so food access programs have reliable access to high-quality food and the operational support needed to serve their communities with dignity.
Our Approach
By reimagining how food programs are supplied and funded—and pairing fresh food with strategic support—Tenmile helps partners operate more efficiently and sustainably.
Through our regenerative farm in Upstate New York, Tenmile grows fresh vegetables, fruit, eggs, and protein specifically for emergency food providers. We work collaboratively with our partners to complement traditional food donation with intentional production and targeted supply, helping ensure that the food being grown is the food communities need most.
Together with our partners, we are working to build a stronger food supply model—one that moves us closer to our shared goal: ensuring all people have equal access to healthy, nutritious food.
The Tenmile Model
Food insecurity is complex. Tenmile addresses it through an integrated system that combines production, partnerships, infrastructure, and long-term planning.
Sustainable Production
We grow food using regenerative practices that protect soil and water while ensuring long-term productivity and efficiency.
Reducing Food Waste
Food is grown with purpose. By aligning production with partner needs, we minimize waste while maximizing nutritional impact.
Community Partnership and Empowerment
Tenmile works alongside trusted community organizations that know their communities best, providing reliable food they can plan around and depend on.
Resilience to Government Funding Fluctuations
Our model provides stability when public food assistance changes, helping partners maintain consistent access to fresh food
Local Food System
Food is grown, distributed, and delivered within the region—strengthening local economies and reducing reliance on distant supply chains.
Scalability and Replication
The Tenmile Model is designed to grow—making it possible to replicate this approach in other regions where reliable fresh food access is needed.
2025 Annual Report
2024 Annual Report
2023 Annual Report