State Rep. Bradford R. Hill (R-Ipswich) recently met with three young adults representing The Food Project at the State House, including one from Hamilton.

Mimi Leggett of Manchester, Sam DeRosa of Ipswich and Ashley Thibeault of Hamilton all came to advocate for their program, which seeks to build sustainable food systems for urban and suburban communities across the state.

In addition, their program The Food Project is aimed at providing leadership opportunity experiences to young adults while also serving the community at large and those who are in need.

“It was a pleasure to see young people donating their time and energy into such a selfless act; Their visit enlightened me as to the needs of the citizens they are aimed at reaching,” Hill said in a press release. “They will have an ally in me when pieces of legislation come before me that will help their cause.”

The students produce about 200,000 pounds of fruit and vegetables per year and distributing the food through various channels to maintain the widest support base possible.

The Food Project has continued to extend its reach beyond the greater Boston area. On the North Shore, the groups focuses mainly on the communities of Beverly, Gloucester and Lynn.

The Food Project is used as a model to integrate youth leadership and development with sustainable agriculture all over the country. In addition to growing fruits and vegetables for communities, The Food Project also provides programs that range from providing the knowledge and supplies necessary for citizens to do their own growing, to building raised bed gardens for individuals and community centers.

The Food Project continues to grow, working around the region and across the country to advocate for healthy food options. Hill said he looks forward to working closely with The Food Project to provide for those in need.