New Jersey Couple Recognized with Farmers Fighting Hunger Award

By: Mike Kaufman

Robert and Cindy Von Thun of Middlesex County, N.J., were honored on February 10, 2009, with the “Farmers Fighting Hunger Award” at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Cherry Hill. The Von Thuns were recognized for their work with Farmers Against Hunger, a food-recovery organization that distributes donated or surplus produce to hunger organizations. The Von Thun’s creative fundrasising efforts included the donation of proceeds from a corn maze on their family farm. Their “MAiZE” was created in the shape of the Farmers Against Hunger logo.

The Von Thun family has been involved in farming since 1913 when Henry Von Thun purchased 90 acres of prime New Jersey farmland. The farm has thrived through the decades because of the their ability to adapt to market changes. Their initial mainstay of grain production expanded over time to include a more lucrative potato crop. In 1986, when Robert returned from college, the farm’s focus was redirected to fruit and vegetable production. A market was soon added with a “pick your own” feature that drew customers into the fields. Soon “Jersey Fresh” strawberries, raspberries, peas and pumpkins were a big hit among health conscious consumers in Middlesex County.

Over the years, Bob and Cindy’s farm became more diversified with the installation of greenhouses that provide 15,000 square feet of space for nursing bedding plants. The farm also hosts spring, summer, and fall tours that include family fun days, complete with hayrides and visiting farm animals. The corn maze has become their most recent hit with customers who want to spend more time in a rural setting.

The Von Thuns protect their wide variety of crops with the Non-Insurable Crop Disaster Assistance Program (NAP) offered by the Farm Service Agency. Bob and Cindy work closely with FSA program technicians Beth Pine and Lorrie Marquis, who provide support to producers in the counties of Monmouth, Mercer and Middlesex. As operators of one of the few farms left in central New Jersey, the Von Thuns are happy to provide healthy, farm-fresh produce and a rural retreat for family fun. FSA offers a valuable measure of support to local farmers and are proud that Bob and Cindy Von Thun have been recognized for their contributions to the Farmers Against Hunger organization.

(Left to right) Robert and Cindy Von Thun accept an award from Brian Schilling, President, New Jersey Agricultural Society. The Von Thun’s successful farm offers a variety of goods and attractions for New Jersey residents, including seasonal family activities, a pick-your-own fresh fruit section and a corn maze.