The Harvest Aid Project
an article by Mary Lee Morrison

Families in both Iraq and in Western Massachusetts have been helped by an innovative aid program, The Harvest Aid Project, run by a group of local farmers and residents in the Pioneer Valley in Massachusetts. Though the lives of these families might seem worlds apart, the Harvest Aid Project has united them, alleviating the suffering caused by the U.S. invasion.

During the early stages of the Iraqi war, farmers in the Dhuluiya region of Iraq saw their citrus groves bulldozed as “punishment” for not revealing to the U.S. military the names of resistance fighters who were alleged to be hiding in the area. They lost most of their crops, and hence their livelihood, at the height of their growing season.

Western Massachusetts is home to many military families who have been deeply affected by the loss of income due to one or more members having been deployed to Iraq. The Pioneer Valley USO (United Service Agency) Food Pantry has seen an upsurge in business since the beginning of the war. Many times those deployed have left behind good paying jobs. There is also strong peace movement in the area.

A group of local farmers, religious groups and peace activists began the Harvest Aid Project to help both the Iraqi farmers and the local military families. Flyers about the project were distributed widely and donations were received. During the 2004 growing season, half of the funds raised for the project went to the farmers in Dhuluiya and half to the local food pantry. In addition, a local resident wrote a letter of apology to the Iraqi farmers, accompanying the donations that went to Iraq.

This article is adapted from a description of the project featured in Peacework magazine (December-January 2004), a publication of the New England Regional Office of the American Friends Service Committee.

DISCUSSION

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Can American community projects help alleviate suffering in Iraq?


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Latest reader comment:

I think that the Harvest Aid Project is an excellent indicator that American community projects can help those who are suffering in Iraq.  One must ask themselves, "What can be done and what is my role in doing so?"  There is absolutely no reason why that answer can't involve benefitting those who are suffering in overseas.

This report was posted on January 15, 2004. The moderator is Stacy.

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