Howell Farm harvest helping those in need

Forced to cut back on programming due to COVID-19, Howell Living History Farm in Hopewell Township was able to shift more of its focus this spring and summer to the labor-intensive planting, weeding and harvesting involved in producing crops to help local food banks and pantries.

The harvest is ongoing, but through the end of August its yield included 1,900 pounds of potatoes; 1,200 pounds of tomatoes; hundreds of pounds each of cabbage, collards, cucumbers, peppers and snap beans; several thousand pounds each of whole wheat flour, cornmeal and oatmeal that is distributed in 1.5-  and 2-pound bags; and 650 dozen eggs. An estimated 12,000 people have received a food bank or pantry distribution containing a Howell Farm item.

“Howell Farm has always helped feed Mercer County residents in need through local food banks and pantries, but the pandemic has made that role even more vital,” said Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes. “I applaud the farm’s staff and volunteers for the yeoman’s work they’ve done and continue to do to support our community.”

Through its “Share the Harvest" tours, Howell Farm is giving visitors an opportunity to learn about the areas on the farm where wheat, vegetables, eggs and other products are being produced for distribution to food banks and pantries. Tours are being offered through Sept. 10 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 90-minute intervals between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., and from Sept. 15 through Nov. 25 on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at 90-minute intervals between 1 and 4 p.m. Use of a face mask is required.

The program includes a self-guided tour with crop-themed crossword puzzle, an Instagram photo contest and a match game that challenges youngsters to identify vegetables grown in the farm’s market garden. Those interested must pre-register through Community Pass in order to reserve a free ticket.

CURRENT STATUS

The New Jersey Department of Health on Sept. 2 announced 329 new positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the cumulative total of positive cases in the state to 192,595 with 14,181 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 1,780 probable deaths. Mercer County's 7 new positive cases bring its cumulative total to 8,349, with 595 confirmed COVID-19 deaths and 36 probable deaths. To view Mercer County data by municipality, please visit the Mercer County COVID-19 Dashboard at https://arcg.is/1y1eHO. Please note that municipal data lags behind the state data and will update as information becomes available. Visit the New Jersey Department of Health's COVID-19 Dashboard  for more statewide information.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Sept. 2 announced that the cumulative total of positive cases of COVID-19 in the United States is 6,047,692 with 184,083 deaths, with 55 locations (50 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, North Mariana Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands) reporting cases. For more information, visit cdc.gov.

PREVENTION

To ensure the lowest chance of obtaining the virus, and spreading the virus to others:
• Practice social distancing.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when you’re in a public setting. The cloth face cover is not a substitute for social distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after you have been in a public place or after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your nose, eyes and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily.

SYMPTOMS

Symptoms can appear between 2-14 days after exposure, though some people may not have any symptoms while still being contagious. It's also important to consider whether you've been in contact with an infected person, as well as any symptoms you may be experiencing. In addition to fever, cough and shortness of breath, symptoms can include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

If you believe you've been infected and you are not in immediate danger, you should contact your doctor by phone. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911, and notify the dispatch personnel that you may have COVID-19. COVID-19 Symptom Checker.

CENSUS 2020

It’s not too late to complete your 2020 Census form! It's safe and easy, and it’s your opportunity to bring education, health care, housing and political power to your community.

People across America are keeping their families and communities safe and healthy by staying home, or serving the public by providing essential services. Responding to the Census yourself — is another way to do your part and help keep your community strong.

If the paper form you received in the mail doesn’t work for you, you can respond online or by phone. There are so many ways to count yourself in the 2020 Census -- don’t wait! To respond online, visit https://my2020census.gov/login; to respond by phone, call 844-330-2020 (English) or 844-468-2020 (Spanish).