The Garden Club of the Back Bay is proud to have supported The Food Project over the years, and we share the following with you:

James “J.” Harrison is named the new Executive Director of The Food Project.  As Executive Director, J. will oversee operations of the organization, which for over 20 years has been a national leader in the area of youth development and sustainable agriculture. J. has served as Acting Executive Director of The Food Project since October.

“What is so extraordinary about The Food Project is that the work we do locally on our farms, at community meetings, at our farmers markets, and at hunger relief organizations, is so personal and human-scale. Yet, at the same time, the models and programs we develop and share help shape youth leadership and food systems work across the country. The Food Project is a place of growth, transformation, and hope, and it is an honor to be chosen to serve as Executive Director,” says Harrison.

Harrison, known as “J.,” began his career in sustainable agriculture by founding a farm and CSA program in Minnesota, which fueled his passion and interest in improving our food system. In 2003, in order to gain a deeper understanding of organic agriculture, J. became a certified organic inspector for farms throughout New England. He subsequently joined The Food Project in 2005 as the North Shore’s founding Farm Manager. In his role as the North Shore Regional Director, J. was a community leader who laid the foundation for the expansion of the youth programs on the North Shore and was invaluable in establishing the farm sites in Beverly, Lynn, and most recently Wenham, MA. On state and regional levels, J. is active in food policy advocacy work.