Although part of West Chester’s FarmerJawn lost its nonprofit status, founder Christa Barfield assured that the organization would continue its charitable work without interruption, writes Jenn Ladd for The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Barfield’s goal is to provide affordable, organic produce and education and training to underserved communities as well as for budding food entrepreneurs. Her work was highlighted last year by the James Beard Foundation, which recognized her with an Emerging Leadership award.
She recently received a cease-and-desist letter that ordered her to stop soliciting donations for the FarmerJawn & Friends Foundation Fund, until the nonprofit arm of her organization is properly registered.
The nonprofit arm was formally granted nonprofit status in 2022 but had it automatically revoked in May 2024 due to the failure to file a mandatory annual return. Meanwhile, Barfield noted that all donations received over the last year were processed through its fiscal sponsor, Jubilee Gift Galaxy.
Barfield emphasized that the change has not affected the organization’s charitable work, including a recent event where FarmerJawn gave out thousands of eggs to New Yorkers and Philadelphians.
FarmerJawn also offers free land and commissary kitchen space to individuals interested in learning about farming or food.
Read more about Christa Barfield and the nonprofit arm of her organization in The Philadelphia Inquirer.
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Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on VISTA Today in April 2025.
