The warm and sunny (yet not so rainy) Spring has been working wonders on all the crops in the fields. Most things are looking fantastic for the first week of pickup. However, some of our lettuce couldn’t wait until June 12th and was ready for harvest last week. Thankfully, we were able to pick it before the heat and donate it to two organizations that supply food to local families.
A Place to Turn, located in Natick.
A Place to Turn has been providing emergency food and clothing to those in need for 40 years. As a choice food pantry, this non-profit is committed to providing individuals and families with fresh produce throughout the season. In addition to donations from Stearns Farm and the Framingham Community Farm, volunteers also tend to five community plots in the area, helping ensure those struggling with food insecurity have plenty of healthy options in these challenging times. Check out their website and consider donating to help neighbors in need.
Boston Area Gleaners, located in Acton
Gleaning is the best way to recover surplus crops that would otherwise go to waste. Boston Area Gleaners addresses food insecurity, on-farm food waste, and local farm sustainability through a variety of programs. With the help of volunteers, the Gleaners harvest and pack food donated from local farms for communities across the region. Through their distribution program, they deliver fresh food to a network of local food pantries, food banks and meal programs, and provide trucking support to partner non-profits and farms in need of resources. Our lettuce went to the Stow Food Bank and a soup kitchen in Ayer.
We are always looking to partner with more pantries and organizations that distribute, so feel free to let us know about any groups you might be aware of!
Until next time,
Ember
