We recently had an inspiring chat with Tony D’Orazio, co-founder of Carversville Farm Foundation, one of our generous partners. We learned more about his remarkable journey from the tech industry to establishing a regenerative farm dedicated to tackling food insecurity in the Greater Philadelphia area. 

Carversville is a non-profit farm growing certified organic vegetables and pasture-raised meat and eggs—all for donation. We are fortunate to be one of its beneficiaries –since partnering with us in April, they have generously donated over six thousand pounds of food and 25 thousand eggs – more specifically, they donated, 2,190 dozen eggs, 206 pounds of Heritage Turkey, 1,416 pounds of chicken, 313 pounds of Stewing Hens, 317 pounds of Beef and 2, 509 pounds of vegetables.  

Not only is it a unique and outstanding organization, but it’s also run by Tony and his wife Amy, who have a passion for giving back to the community they love. Here’s how they got started. 

The Beginning 

Tony’s story begins in 1989 when he started a tech business with unwavering support from Amy. For the first five years, they persevered through challenges, and once successful, they found themselves with discretionary income. Tony, having volunteered in soup kitchens during his 20s and 30s, felt compelled to give back. Initially, they donated to various organizations in the Philly area. 

A Shift to Direct Action 

Tony’s involvement in policy initiatives, particularly at Philadelphia school board meetings, sparked his passion for direct action. Witnessing the needs of a high school specifically for foster kids, Tony decided to shift from board meetings to hands-on work. This decision led him to explore farming, despite having no prior experience in the field. 

The Birth of Carversville Farm 

In 2013, Carversville Farm was established with a clear mission: to end hunger, starting with the Philadelphia area. They do this by producing food directly – they custom grow certified organic vegetables and pasture-raised meat and eggs—all for donation.  

Tony’s expertise in running complex organizations proved invaluable. He acquired land, consulted with experienced farmers, attended educational programs, and built a dedicated team, including managers for livestock and produce. Over the past year alone, they have had a significant impact – donating to non-profits: 

• 166,000 lbs of organic produce 
• 500,000 pastured eggs 
• 50,000 lbs of pastured poultry and beef 
• 43,000 seedlings 
• 1 million servings 

Building a Sustainable Farm 

Carversville Farm started with vegetables, emphasizing the importance of reliable and healthy food for local organizations. Tony’s team consulted with these organizations to understand their needs, resulting in a focus on crops like garlic and collard greens, which were highly valued by the communities served. 

Learning from Successes and Failures 

The journey was not without its challenges. Early failures included growing crops like kohlrabi and celery root, which had little demand. However, successes such as cultivating garlic and collard greens highlighted the importance of understanding community preferences. The farm also experimented with different produce, learning valuable lessons along the way. 

Community Involvement and Volunteerism 

Carversville Farm thrives on the support of volunteers. With 19 employees, including 6-7 seasonal workers and 12 permanent staff, volunteers play a crucial role. From corporate groups to individuals, volunteers engage in various activities, such as harvesting and bottling honey. Special programs also involve autistic children, providing them with meaningful, hands-on experiences on the farm. 

Funding and Support 

Primarily funded by Tony and Amy, Carversville Farm also receives donations for capital expenses like new equipment. Their commitment ensures that the farm remains sustainable and continues to serve the community effectively. 

The Mission and Vision 

Tony is a firm believer that good food is a human right, regardless of race or religion. He emphasizes that no one should be hungry, and everyone deserves access to nutritious food. This vision drives him to stay connected with the community, often volunteering with partner organizations to stay energized and inspired. 

Tony and his wife Amy exemplify what it means to be compassionate and community-minded individuals. Their dedication to Carversville Farm and the greater Philadelphia area demonstrates the profound impact of giving back and supporting those in need. Together, they work tirelessly, one crop at a time, hoping that one day, everyone will be nourished by healthy, nutritious, fresh, food.