The Sweet Potato Dig
Growing Food for Food Pantries
A Fun-Filled Day of Sweet Potato Digging!
The Sweet Potato Dig
A Collaboration Between
Stacey Farley, the Town of Philipstown, and Davoren Farm,
Along with Many Volunteers and Community Members
What is the Sweet Potato Dig?
On a parcel of land belonging to The Town of Philipstown, we grow sweet potatoes for food pantries in our region. This model farm is an experiment. If we grow more food locally, distribute it more efficiently, and waste less food, we can reduce food insecurity in the Hudson Valley. This can be done in any community, and together we can ensure that everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.
Over 48 million people in our country are food insecure. This means children are going to school without breakfast, and people who might have two jobs are choosing between paying for gas or a medical bill, and buying food for their families.
Why are we farming here on this land?
The Town of Philipstown has generously allowed us to farm land which belongs to the Town. In June, we plowed up the field, put in irrigation, prepared the rows for planting, and with the help of volunteers, planted 12,000 sweet potato "slips", and also a giant patch of butternut squash. In October, with over 240 volunteers, we harvested 24,700 pounds of sweet potatoes and butternut squash which went directly to food pantries, soup kitchens, a veterans program and a school.
Why did we choose sweet potatoes?
We chose to grow sweet potatoes because they are nutritious and delicious. They grow underground all summer long, needing minimal attention and weeding, and the sweet potatoes can last a long time once they are harvested. We chose four different varieties, to see which yielded the largest and tastiest sweet potatoes.
What is The Big Dig?
The Big Dig is the day when we dig up the sweet potatoes! A huge group of volunteers with shovels and pitchforks help us with the harvest. It is a fun-filled day as we gather sweet potatoes and fill burlap sacks to be distributed to pantries in our region. If digging isn't your thing, there are other jobs, such as collecting, weighing, bagging, labeling, and distributing. Come be a part of this mission to reduce food insecurity in our region. See "The Big Dig" page for more information.
When is The Big Dig?
The Big Dig was held on Saturday, October 10th, 2026. Thank you to all who participated.
Where is The Big Dig?
Route 403, Garrison NY
The entrance is near 9D, across from the Desmond Fish Library.