Feeding a Hungry World

by Jonathan Wright

Located south of Princeton in Tiskilwa, Hungry World Farm is more than a farm—it’s a nonprofit educational center dedicated to nurturing the earth and nourishing people. “We recognize the interconnectedness between healthy soil, healthy food, healthy bodies and a healthy planet,” explains executive director Karla Stoltzfus Detweiler. “We invite others on a journey of learning to appreciate and nurture that web of health.” 

Hungry World Farm is home to a wide range of vegetables, herbs and flowers—including summer specialty crops like salad greens and heirloom tomatoes; organic field crops like corn, beans and peas; and two acres of blueberries. “Our products are nutrient-dense and flavor-full because they come from biologically rich soils and plants,” Detweiler notes. To that end, their raised-bed, no-till gardens are fortified with healthy portions of compost, and the soil is kept covered to protect microbial life. The small animals grazing their pasture also play a critical role in the ecosystem. “We practice intensive rotational grazing of sheep, goats, chickens and ducks, and sell meat and eggs from these animals. We also raise pigs and rabbits for meat.”

Experimentation is a constant theme at Hungry World Farm. Plans are underway to develop their organic cropland with trees and perennial crops using the principles of agroforestry; they are also learning to grow heritage wheat. “We anticipate offering sourdough breads made with heritage wheat and regionally-grown grains this summer,” Detweiler adds. “We also look forward to the completion of an outdoor wood-fired oven, with hopes of offering farm-to-table, wood-fired pizza.” 

An offshoot ministry of Willow Springs Mennonite Church, Hungry World Farm invites the public to join them for farm learning days and contemplative retreats, while a new online store makes their products more accessible than ever—including a delivery site nearby in Germantown Hills. hungryworldfarm.com PM