Von Thun Farms Honored for Fighting Hunger

Monmouth Junction's Von Thun Farms was honored at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention on Feb. 6 with the Neil Robson Farmers Against Hunger Award.

The award was established in memory of Robson, a leading Burlington County farmer who died in 2006, to recognize farmers who make outstanding contributions to the fight against hunger by providing fresh fruits and vegetables to help feed the hungry. 

Bob and Cindy Von Thun have donated more than 30,000 pounds of produce to Farmers Against Hunger, a gleaning organization that collects donated Jersey Fresh produce and distributes it to emergency feeding organizations throughout the state.

In addition to the award, Kristie Von Thun, 17, was the 4-H speaker on Feb. 6 at the New Jersey State Agricultural Convention in Atlantic City. Von Thun told the convention delegates that her involvement in 4-H helped to guide her toward a career in agriculture. 

She will be attending Delaware Valley College in the fall, planning to major in Equine Science.  Von Thun has been a 4-H member for more than 10 years in both Middlesex and Mercer Counties.  Kristie raises and shows dairy goats, dogs and horses. 

She has received many honors over the years; she currently is the New Jersey 4-H Equestrian of the Year and will represent New Jersey as a delegate to the National 4-H conference this fall.  Her parents own Von Thun Farms, specializing in small fruits, vegetables and greenhouse production. 

Von Thun's Country Farm Market is located at 505 Ridge Road in Monmouth Junction.