Mukamujeni Nyiramutuzo, one of the farmers assisted by the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), explains that her tireless efforts in growing vegetables and culturally significant crops extend beyond tangible materials; it’s the joy she feels when witnessing her crops flourish. Originally from Congo, Mukamujeni shares that farming has been her lifelong passion, a skill she began honing at the age of seven. “I’ll never forget the tiring collection of climbing bean sticks,” she recalls when asked about her earliest farming memory as a child. From her childhood days cultivating beans, sweet potatoes, corn, and vegetables to her current status as a farmer in

Godence Ndabumvirubusa, a seasoned farmer who began tilling the earth at the age of 10 in her native Rwanda, credits ORIS for the remarkable improvement in her English-speaking abilities since joining Fresh Start Farms. Her journey in the U.S. has not only enriched her farming skills but has also broadened her horizons as a vendor, fostering interactions with fellow vendors, predominantly native to the U.S. Arriving in America as a refugee from Tanzania in 2007, Godence explored various employment avenues before discovering Fresh Start Farms and ORIS, an organization dedicated to empowering immigrants and refugees to showcase their agricultural expertise. Since then, she has remained

Babu Zuberi, a Concord NH resident, is on the cusp of transforming his one-year-old farming venture into a thriving business. Originally from Congo and Tanzania, where farming was a way of life for his family, Babu has rekindled his agricultural roots in the United States. Supported by the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS), Babu is not only cultivating crops but also envisioning expansion into farmers markets and even venturing into the food truck business. Having engaged in farming back in Africa, Babu’s transition to farming in America faced initial challenges due to a lack of connections and information. However, his fortunes changed when

Harimaya has found solace and purpose in farming since 2015, when she started her farming activities in Boscawen NH, thanks to the support of the Organization for Refugee and Immigrant Success (ORIS). Having overcome challenges in her journey, she now grows flowers and vegetables, creating a vibrant tapestry of memories that connect her to her childhood and homeland. Harimaya’s love for farming traces back to her early years in Nepal, where she followed in the footsteps of her uncle and granddad through dense jungles teeming with Jaguars, Tigers, and wild animals. Despite the challenges, these memories form the foundation of her enduring passion for farming.

In the scenic landscapes of Southern New Hampshire, Elizabeth Nyirabutega has cultivated not just a thriving farm, but a life filled with resilience and determination. Elizabeth’s journey is intertwined with The Double Up Food Bucks program, a symbiotic partnership with food stamps that has not only increased her income but has also transformed her lifestyle. The Double Up Food Bucks program, allowing the purchase of local produce with an EBT card to get double the purchased produce, has been a game-changer for Elizabeth. This initiative has brought about a financial boon, evident in the regular checks she now receives every two weeks. For Elizabeth and

In 2013, Margarita Manario embarked on a transformative chapter of her life when she joined the New American Sustainable Agriculture Program (NASAP). Born in Burundi, Margarita had fled to Tanzania in 1993, seeking refuge in a camp as a young mother. A decade later, in 2015, she arrived in America, hopeful for a new beginning. Upon reaching the United States, Margarita faced the challenges of adapting to a new culture and language. Despite numerous attempts to secure traditional employment, her limited English-speaking skills proved to be a barrier. It was in this pursuit of livelihood that Margarita discovered NASAP, a program offering farming land, technical