Support Vermont Orchards' Jamaican Crews Impacted by Hurricane Melissa

As many lovers of Vermont apples likely know, most of the apples in Vermont orchards are picked by absolutely incredible individuals from Jamaica. These members of our harvest crews are like family and work incredibly hard year in and year out to pick and pack the apples that put food on our tables. Without them, many orchards simply would not exist. We’re heartbroken at the devastation in their home country of Jamaica this week from Hurricane Melissa.

Many orchards have put together fundraising campaigns in support of their workers. Those we are are aware of include:

Combined Campaign
Benefiting workers at Champlain Orchards (Shoreham), Southern Vermont Orchards (Bennington), Sunrise Orchards (Cornwall), Green Mountain Orchards (Putney), Dutton Berry Farm (Manchester Center, Newfane, Brattleboro), Shelburne Orchards (Shelburne).
https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-vermonts-orchard-workers-affected-by-melissa

Paul Mazza’s Farm
Essex Junction
https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-our-jamaican-farm-workers-after-hurricane

Scott Farm Orchard
Dummerston
https://www.scottfarmvermont.com/support-jamaican-crew

Hackett’s Orchard
South Hero
Accepting dry goods and cash donations at the orchard.
https://www.facebook.com/HackettsOrchard/

Please reach out to your local orchard and see if they are providing a way to support Jamaican workers and do what you can to help. If your orchard has a fundraiser that isn’t listed here, please comment, and we will add it!