Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracie Pfaff.
Hi Gracie, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
It all started with a book. When I was 12, I read a story about a struggling farm that bounced back thanks to sustainable practices. That story sparked a passion in me – I wanted to find a way to fight hunger and malnutrition naturally. So, Harvest107 was born. From the very beginning, the idea was to tackle hunger at its roots. We started with a small school garden outside Nashville, feeding just 24 families at first. But it was a start, and it showed the potential of our approach. We continued expanding into schools and children’s homes in Haiti, creating urban micro-farms and educational programs that provided fresh food and empowered students to learn about where their food comes from and how to grow it themselves. Now, Harvest107 works on an international scale. We partner with rural farming communities, mainly focusing on women farmers, to provide them with the resources and knowledge they need to be successful. Seeing a Haitian farming partner, after applying our training, send all four children to school – that’s the kind of impact that keeps us going. For me, leadership at Harvest107 has always been about collaboration. I listen, I learn from the communities we serve, and we work together to find solutions. Our vision doesn’t stop until everyone has access to safe, fresh vegetables.
Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, has it been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has been a challenging road, but that makes it so rewarding. Starting Harvest107 at 12 years old, I was diving headfirst into the world of non-profits! There was so much I didn’t know about running an organization – it was a steep learning curve. But I had a real passion for the cause, and the support of my community was incredible. They believed in me and Harvest107’s mission, which kept me going even on the toughest days. Being a young leader presented its challenges. There were times when I had to fight for my voice to be heard, to convince people that my ideas had merit. But I’m so grateful for the incredible support system I have around me. My family has been there every step of the way, cheering me on and even taking on roles within the organization itself. They’ve been my rock, and I don’t know where Harvest107 would be without them.
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
At Harvest107, we’re all about tackling hunger at its roots, and we do that through innovative and impactful programs. We focus on two main areas: urban gardens and rural partnerships.
In urban areas, we create micro-farms in schools, educating students on sustainable agriculture practices while providing fresh, healthy produce. It’s a win-win – students learn valuable skills, and the community benefits from increased access to fresh food.
In rural areas, we partner with women’s farming communities. We empower these incredible women with the education, resources, and tools they need to be successful agribusiness leaders. This includes training in sustainable practices, financial management, and organic strategies. Our goal is to see these women feed their families and thrive as economic forces in their communities.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to scalability and innovation. In 2022, we partnered with a digital company to make our sustainable agriculture education programs available to every Haitian with a cell phone – for free. This incredible achievement allowed us to reach a staggering 7.4 million people in Haiti! That’s a massive leap forward in our fight against hunger.
And we’re not stopping there! This year, we launched our ambitious Moringa Project. Our mission is to plant 10,000 moringa trees across Haiti. The moringa tree is a nutritional powerhouse, providing natural water purification and acting as a natural fertilizer. Planting these trees will significantly impact the lives of countless Haitians. Harvest 107 isn’t just about handing out food – it’s about empowering communities to grow their healthy future. We believe in education, sustainability, and the incredible potential of people, especially women, to be the driving force of change.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Risk-taking is definitely in my DNA. I don’t shy away from challenges, which sometimes involve taking giant leaps. A prime example? Expanding to Haiti just a year after starting Harvest107! We were a tiny organization, still figuring things out domestically. But the need in Haiti was so clear, and the potential impact so immense, that we knew we had to try. Venturing into a new country with different cultures and logistics was a significant risk. But the potential to make a difference was too great to ignore.
That risk paid off in a big way. We were able to establish strong partnerships in Haiti, and our programs have had a real impact on countless lives. My family and I even relocated to Haiti for five years to fully immerse ourselves in the community and truly understand the challenges and opportunities firsthand.
Expanding to Haiti was a risk, but it was the right decision. For me, taking risks isn’t about recklessness but strategic action driven by a deep belief in our mission. And sometimes, those risks lead to incredible rewards.
Pricing:
- $1 donated plants a moringa tree in Haiti
- $50 donations provide a woman with a Family Farm Pack.
- $3-6k creates a school garden.
Contact Info:
- Website: harvest107.org
- Instagram: instagram.com/harvest107 and/or instagram.com/good_gracie
- Facebook: facebook.com/harvest107
