Wednesday, September 11, 2024
By Gracelyn Giese
Contributing Writer
GREEN BAY – While gardening is a popular pastime for many, few are able to turn their hobby into a self-sustaining farm for both their family and the community; however, dedication to fresh food and aiding those without access to it inspired Shane and Kenna Kanneberg to start Vine and Virtue Farm as well as their Virtue Shares program.
The Kanneberg’s began their farming journey in a local community garden while living in an apartment in Green Bay.
Their interest was born out of Kenna’s research into how the food production system operates and the benefits of home-grown food after struggling with health issues.
As their interest grew, the couple began looking for a house where they could expand growing operations.
In 2020, the couple moved into their new house and even gained a farm of chickens in the process.
Production grew larger each year while the two kept their focus on “regenerating the land” and avoiding usage of harmful herbicides or pesticides.
Their success resulted in a surplus and meant the Kannebergs could share their produce with friends and family. By the end of 2022 Shane Kanneberg realized that they “may be able to do this as a business as well,” and the farm was officially established as a business.
Soon after, the farm received a grant from the Wisconsin Local Food Purchase Assistance Program (LFPA) which allowed them to donate produce to local shelters such as Golden House and Freedom House. Shane shared that it was a “great opportunity” for Vine and Virtue.
However, the farm did not receive another LFPA grant this year, losing out by half of a point. Shane confessed that “from a business standpoint, we were really bummed.”
Still, the two found inspiration from other farms who had their own donation boxes and found additional support in friends and family that lived out of town but still wanted to aid the couple in their efforts.
Thus began Virtue Shares, a free listing on their website where customers can add $25 worth of fresh produce to their online order.
As the website explains, the Virtue Shares can be donated “to a shelter, a person, or an organization” of the customer’s choice.When excess funds and produce build up in the Virtue Shares account, the Kannebergs bring donations to Golden House to support the people there.
More information about the Vine and Virtue farm or how to participate in the Virtue Shares program can be found at www.vineandvirtuefarm.com, or their Facebook page, Vine and Virtue Farm.
