Nationwide, 85% of adults with intellectual and developmental differences (I/DD) are not employed. For almost three decades on its organic farm, Red Wiggler has provided this historically under-valued and under-served population meaningful work as growers. Each is paired with a mentor and experiences every aspect of farming and distribution, earning fair wages and receiving regular support. Alongside youth volunteers with and without I/DD, they tend to 200+ plant varieties, learning about and growing healthy food together. In addition, Red Wiggler’s educational experiences for the public promote environmental stewardship while a Community Supported Agriculture program ensures that half of all vegetables harvested are distributed to food banks, community organizations, and neighbors with low incomes. At Red Wiggler, preventing food waste and addressing hunger go hand-in-hand with cultivating sustainable farming practices and the leadership of neurodivergent individuals.

Headquarters: MD-Montgomery County

Where They Operate: MD-Montgomery County; MD-Frederick County; Upper Montgomery County

Age Groups Served: Youth (5-11); Pre-teen/teen (12-17); Young adult (18-24); Adult (25-49); Seniors (50+)

Ethnic Groups Served: African American; Caucasian; Latino/Hispanic; Other

Population(s) Served: Disabled; Low- to Moderate-Income Community Members; Students

Notes: Red Wiggler works with both public and private school kids through its service learning program.

Awards & Recognition

n/a

Press

  • So Farm, So Good
    Wed Jul 25 2007  
    Seeds of art and diversity grow at Red Wiggler Farm - and the Montgomery county Farm Tour puts them on display.

Budget (FY2023)

  • $3 million or higher
  • $1 million to $3 million
  • The current budget for Red Wiggler Community Farm is: $500k to $1 million
  • Less than $500k

Catalogue charities range in size from $100,000 to $3 million. This graphic indicates the budget range of the organization featured here. If you see an organizational budget above the $3 million mark, that is because the featured charity has grown in size since it first appeared in the Catalogue. We proudly present on our website the work of these "growth" charities.

About Spur Local

Each year 150+ community advocates review applicants on the basis of governance, equity, and impact. Each featured nonprofit has been successfully site visited and its financials given the thumbs up. Spur Local charges no fees and raises funds separately to support its work. Since 2003, it has raised over $57 million for nonprofits across the Greater Washington region.

Spur Local looks to friends like you to keep our services independent and entirely free of charge. Consider a small contribution to Spur Local to cap off your gift and help the causes you care about get the full support they deserve!

If you like Red Wiggler Community Farm you might also like