2-11-2026 9:57am

Freeland Farm

We’re honored to be named a Chick-fil-A 2026 True Inspiration Awards grant recipient!

Chosen from a pool of more than 3,500 applicants, the Farm is one of just 56 organizations selected nationwide this year and among only 414 recognized over the past 12 years.

This support helps us continue our mission to feed more neighbors facing hunger across our

region.

A tremendous THANK YOU to Chick-fil-A Shrewsbury for their incredible support and for nominating us—we’re so grateful for your partnership and dedication to our mission.

Our Story

First Fruits Farm was born in 1998 when the Bernstein family moved to a farm in northern Baltimore County. The idea was that they would plant and harvest their fields using a volunteer work force and donate the resulting fresh produce to organizations serving needy families and individuals in their community.

Hereford United Methodist Church backed the farm until 2004, when First Fruits Farm, Inc. was granted its own tax-exempt status, organized a board of directors and officers, and began operating as an official nonprofit organization. Rick and Carol are quick to give all the glory to God and are grateful for the many volunteers who support the farm.

In 2019, after many years of prayerful consideration and gracious benefactors, First Fruits Farm moved to our current home on Middletown Road in Freeland. This 203-acre property allowed us to expand the ministry even further. We were blessed with another addition to the Farm in 2023...acquiring a 78-acre neighboring farm bringing our total acreage to 281 and increasing our ability to GROW MORE - GIVE MORE - SERVE MORE in Jesus’ name.

The Farm's story has inspired many over the years, and word of our ministry has spread thanks to articles in numerous publications, media coverage, and accolades given in acknowledgment of the Farm's good work. And while it does take a village to keep First Fruits Farm running and productive, the Bernsteins rely on God to advance each aspect of the ministry.

Click here to read more about us.

Chick-fil-A Awards $6 Million in Grants As Part of True Inspiration Awards Program

The brand celebrates 56 global nonprofits for their work and commitment in local communities

The Rundown:

Chick-fil-A, Inc. will award $6 million in grants to 56 nonprofit organizations as part of its True Inspiration Awards® program, which celebrates the work of impactful nonprofits making a significant difference in their communities.
Since 2015, Chick-fil-A, Inc. has awarded more than 400 True Inspiration Awards grants totaling nearly $40 million to nonprofits across the U.S., Canada, Puerto Rico, the U.K. and this year for the first time, Singapore.
The S. Truett Cathy Honoree and recipient of the largest True Inspiration Awards grant is Faith Kitchen, a San Antonio-based nonprofit whose longstanding mission has been to feed and serve those who are experiencing homelessness within their community.

Chick-fil-A, Inc. announced the recipients of its 2026 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Awards® program, celebrating the work of impactful nonprofit organizations making an inspiring difference in their communities. The company marks a milestone year as it also expands its global giving footprint with its first-ever Singapore-based grant recipient.

“Serving is at the heart of what we do, and the True Inspiration Awards reflect our belief that strong communities are built through consistent, caring action,” said Andrew T. Cathy, Chief Executive Officer for Chick-fil-A, Inc. “These organizations inspire us with their relentless commitment to serve, innovate and uplift the people and communities around them. We’re proud to support their work and invest in a stronger future for people and places around the world.”

Chick-fil-A One® Members voted for Operator-nominated nonprofit organizations in the Chick-fil-A® App, which plays a part in the final scoring process. Members have the opportunity to vote for nonprofit organizations in their regions and this year, a record nearly 700,000 votes were cast in the app.

Each year, Chick-fil-A selects an S. Truett Cathy Honoree, awarding the largest grant to an organization that embodies the innovative and entrepreneurial spirit of Chick-fil-A’s late founder, S. Truett Cathy. This year, Faith Kitchen was selected. The San Antonio-based nonprofit’s 45-year mission has been to feed those who are experiencing homelessness a hot, nutritious meals three times per day.

About the 2026 S. Truett Cathy Honoree:

Through its partnership with Haven for Hope and local donors, Faith Kitchen offers job training and employment opportunities that help guests build skills and move toward long-term stability.
The grant will support continued meal service, job training expansion, and the operational capacity to meet rising community demand as the organization serves more than 5,000 individuals each year.
Since 2017, Chick-fil-A® restaurants in San Antonio have partnered with Faith Kitchen to donate surplus food from their restaurants as part of the Chick-fil-A Shared Table® program.
Through the Chick-fil-A Shared Table program, San Antonio Chick-fil-A restaurants and Faith Kitchen have partnered together to help create more than 200,000 meals to feed their neighbors. Restaurants also donate 500 boxed meals monthly to feed clients at Faith Kitchen.

“Faith Kitchen shows unwavering compassion to our neighbors in San Antonio,” said Greg Patterson, local Owner-Operator of Chick-fil-A Potranco Road, Chick-fil-A Hwy 151 & Military and Chick-fil-A Alamo Ranch Marketplace. “Their commitment to welcoming every guest with dignity and providing dependable meals and support has a profound impact on our community. It’s why I nominated them to receive this grant and it’s an honor to see their good work recognized.”

About the True Inspiration Awards
Founded in 2015 to honor the legacy of Chick-fil-A’s founder S. Truett Cathy, the True Inspiration Awards program annually supports organizations across the U.S. and globally that are making a positive impact in their local communities. Nonprofits are eligible to apply online or be nominated by a local Chick-fil-A Owner-Operator or Chick-fil-A Supply General Manager.

The application cycle for the 2027 True Inspiration Awards program opens today and will close on May 1.

To learn more about the True Inspiration Awards program and see the list of 2026 recipients, click here. To learn more about how Chick-fil-A, Inc. gives back to the communities it serves through other global impact initiatives, visit Chick-fil-A.com/global-impact.