DPFCU gift to support farmers market Donation Station

The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market has partnered with Dover-Phila Federal Credit Union to distribute fresh produce to those in need. DPFCU’s $20,000 gift will support the Donation Station program throughout the upcoming market season.

“At DoverPhila, we believe strong communities are built through collaboration and care for our neighbors,” said Jason Garner, CEO of DoverPhila Federal Credit Union. “We’re proud to partner with the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market to support the Donation Station program. This initiative reflects the power of our community coming together to ensure everyone has access to healthy, nutritious food.”

Now entering its fifth year of community impact, the Donation Station initiative aims to bridge the gap between local agriculture and neighbors facing food insecurity by collecting and distributing high-quality, locally grown produce. Market attendees can contribute by donating funds, their own backyard produce or items purchased directly from the market. Farmers are paid fairly for their products and also donate excess produce at the end of each market day. Volunteers weigh, record and pack the produce, which is then collected at the market by local food pantries.

The Tuscarawas County Donation Station was originally launched by the nonprofit Rural Action in partnership with Community Food Initiatives and the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market. A loss of funding in 2025 led Rural Action to close its Tuscarawas County office, and the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market then assumed full management of the program.

“The Donation Station is about more than just food; it’s about strengthening the local food system,” said Isaac Hans Kneuss, committee chair for the Donation Station. “By purchasing directly from our local farmers and delivering that nutrition to local food pantries, we ensure that everyone in our community has a seat at the table.”

In 2025, the program distributed more than 4,800 pounds of fresh food to local partners, including Twin City Food Pantry, The Salvation Army and Beneath the Shade. With help from DPFCU’s donation, the Donation Station hopes to expand its reach to additional local pantries and has set a goal of donating 25,000 pounds of food in 2026.

Local food pantries or soup kitchens interested in participating in the Donation Station are encouraged to contact Kneuss at kneussih@gmail.com for more information. Community members interested in volunteering, donating or learning more about the program also are encouraged to reach out.

The Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded in 2009. Markets are held every Wednesday from 3-7 p.m. at the Tuscarawas County Fairgrounds from June through mid-October. More information is available at www.tvffm.org.

DoverPhila Federal Credit Union has served Tuscarawas County for more than 70 years. The credit union said it remains committed to strengthening the communities where it operates through partnerships, investments and service. Anyone who lives, works, worships or attends school in Tuscarawas County can join by making a $5 deposit at any of its five full-service locations in Dover, New Philadelphia, Newcomerstown and Uhrichsville, or online at www.dpfcu.org.