Memories of Jim Varney

Jim Varney of the Varney Farm located in South Windsor was a long-time friend and supporter of Foodshare.  In 2007, Varney Farm’s first official year of supporting Foodshare, just one acre was planted with eggplant, various squashes and peppers.  By the end of the harvest, more than 6,000 pounds of fresh-picked, first quality produce was delivered to the Foodshare distribution center in Bloomfield.  With the help of many volunteers; he was solely able to provide fresh produce to Foodshare.    Jim was committed to teaching the next generation about locally grown food.  Before his health began to decline, he would be on the site, personally directing volunteers’ work days, guiding activities and directing the process. 

Jim and his wife, Sandy, show off
some of the crops they grew
for Foodshare.

Since that first year, Varney Farm has delivered over 112,000 pounds of fresh vegetables to Foodshare, which was then distributed to our neighbors in need throughout the region.  Varney Farm’s amazing 7-year success has been due to Jim’s commitment and the many volunteers, individuals and groups alike who donated their time and energy to help the hungry.

Several Foodshare staff had the opportunity to work with Jim over the years; primarily, volunteer coordinators.  During the gardening season, volunteer coordinators would make weekly trips to visit Jim at his home in South Windsor and during some of those visits, he would walk through his field where he would proudly explain how many crops were planted for the year’s Foodshare harvest and his daily plan to ensure a quality crop that was well maintained to ensure many hungry families would have the opportunity to have access to healthy local produce. 

Jim’s dedication to educating volunteers on where our food comes from and his passion for helping our food insecure neighbors was not only admirable but was also a testament to his kind heart. 

On May 14^th, Jim passed away.  The commitment he and his wife Sandy showed to Foodshare will be remembered by all who knew Jim. The work continues today with 4 full acres under cultivation this summer.   Sandy told me that the family is working with the town of South Windsor to make sure the land stays in production for Foodshare in perpetuity.  What a fitting tribute to a man who was passionate about the land, about teaching people where their food came from, and about providing food to those in need!

Jim will be missed by the many Foodshare volunteers and staff who knew and appreciated him. Help carry on his legacy by volunteering to be a part of the effort. Learn more about our community gardens,  like Varney Farm, or contact Edna Bailey for more information.