Eversource Employees Give Back: Volunteering at Local Food Project Farms

A group of about 30 Eversource employees traded their offices for some hands-on work last Tuesday, volunteering at The Food Project’s West Cottage St. farm in Uphams Corner. They cleaned the Dudley Street Greenhouse, filled raised garden beds on North Ave., and harvested squash and dragon tongue beans at the Langdon Street site.

James W. Hunt III, an executive at Eversource and a lifetime Dorchester resident, led the team. He was eager to dive into the work, plucking tomato vines from the greenhouse. “We have roots here in Boston,” he said. That connection is why they are so invested in community projects like this one.

Founded in 1991, The Food Project believes everyone should have access to fresh and affordable food. The community greenhouse helps local residents achieve this goal. Danielle Andrews, the Boston Farms and Greenhouse manager, explained how the space works. “Neighborhood residents manage the front beds. We grow food in the back half,” she said. These efforts create a cycle of community support.

Cleaning the greenhouse prepares it for the volunteers when they return in September, allowing The Food Project staff to focus on helping the community. Andrews recently hosted a special camp for girls in foster care, emphasizing the variety of programs offered at the farm. “The more volunteers we have, the more creative opportunities we can provide,” she added.

Hunt highlighted the advantages of volunteering for his team, saying, “It’s great for building camaraderie outside the office.” He also noted how Eversource’s mission aligns with community growth and sustainability, highlighting their commitment to climate issues and youth empowerment.

Nearby, another team of about 10 Eversource volunteers worked on North Ave., filling raised garden beds previously in an abandoned lot. Evan O’Neal, manager of community programs at The Food Project, noted how quickly the team was progressing, expressing gratitude for their effort. “Each bed will be given to a local gardener,” he explained.

Amanda Heinsen Morales, Eversource’s Massachusetts Corporate Citizenship manager, praised her team’s willingness to get involved. “We’re not your typical corporate group. Everyone here gets two paid days to volunteer. It’s part of who we are as a company.”

While some volunteers were shoveling soil, others at Langdon Street Farm were busy gathering crops. Morales expressed hope that their efforts would support The Food Project’s mission of providing healthy, sustainable food to Dorchester residents.

In recent years, the focus on community service among corporate employees has increased. A survey from the Corporation for National and Community Service found that 77% of companies encourage employees to volunteer. That’s a testament to how businesses like Eversource are viewing community involvement as part of their core values.

Engagement in local initiatives not only enhances a company’s social responsibility but also fosters a positive workplace culture. Volunteers like those from Eversource show that making a difference goes beyond business—it’s about building stronger communities together.



Source link