Who's Your Farmer?

 

Good question isn't it? Unless you grow your own veggies or make it a point to eat local most folks have no idea where their food comes from never mind when broccoli or asparagus is in season. If you go by the produce section in the supermarket every thing's in season year round' and we've gotten used to the convenience and wide selection of fruits and vegetables that are available to us. But at what price to our local farmers and our over all health? Locavores are coming out to the farmers markets and supporting local farms and businesses in increasing numbers all across the United States for a variety of reasons. Some people just want to feel better about what they put in their bodies. They KNOW eating fresh, local and organic, and GMO free is what's best for them. Others want to participate in the cycle of farm to table on a local level. They want to keep their hard earned dollars in the community by supporting local farmers and in turn reap the benefits of being able to choose fresh, local produce, dairy and meats over mass produced food and in- humane treatment of animals raised for food consumption. They want to KNOW their farmer.

I'm happy to report that last week I was introduced to 30 local farmers by two of my enterprising farmgirl friends, Pam and Charlotte of South Shore Organics, in Hanover, MA. After visiting their store a few weeks ago in preparation for an upcoming ( in depth ) article in MaryJanesFarm I just had to learn more!

Pam and Charlotte

  I attended a local locavore meeting where they spoke about their passion for organically grown, GMO free ( clean food ). They are pioneers in the concept of home delivery CSA and the only one of their kind in Southern Massachusetts. 

 Behind the farm-stand storefront is where all action is. 

 Local produce is picked and delivered the day of packing and boxes go out the following day to be delivered to your door!

 After getting the tour and tasting some of the yummy fresh produce I came home and immediately signed up for service. The website gives you several basket size options to choose from as well as how often you want to take delivery. Once a week, twice a week, once every three weeks or once a month. We chose to have delivery every three weeks to start.

I've already unpacked my box and stored my veggies away but this partially filled box ( pictured above ) gives you an idea of the variety of foods that go in to one delivery.

Here's what I got in my box called Humble Harvest

Humble Harvest - $45

2lb Sweet Potatoes (SG), Local

1lb Parsnips (SG), Local

1 head Celery (SG), Local

8oz Habanero Peppers (OG), Local

1 head Cauliflower (SG), Local

1 Butternut (SG), Local

1 bunch Kohlrabi (OG), Local

1 head Lettuce (OG), Local

5 Bananas (OG, FT), Imported

1.5lb Spencer Apples (IPM), Local

8oz Cranberries (OG), Local

1 bunch Tatsoi (OG), Local

1.5lb Zucchini (SG), Local

3 D’Anjou Pears (OG), US I am so excited about this service not only for the convenience aspect but because I  feel good about supporting my local farmers. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction knowing I play a small part in helping local farmers grow and sustain their livelihood. Everyone benefits! Plus, my teens are eating more veggies too.. I'll keep ya posted with some of the new recipes I'll be trying too! Oh, and did I mention I'm learning new things too! I had no idea what Tatsoi or Kohlrabi was until last week! I encourage you to do a little googling and see if you have such a service in your area! Even if you grow the bulk of your veggies and put up your harvest you could still EAT FRESH during the winter months!   Another great resource for finding out who your farmer is are the Edible Communities Magazines. Can't find one for your area?  Start one!

Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 128

 Welcome back to the Farmgirl Friday Blog Hop # 128! 

I just had to share this darling " farmgirl scarecrow " with you! She reminds me of  Sister # 1  and Queen Bee MaryJaneButters with her straw hat, plaid shirt, and long braids. I wish I could take credit for creating her, but I'm only the photographer in this instance! This farmgirl scarecrow is the good luck mascot for my friends ( Pam and Charlotte)  over at South Shore Organics in Hanover, MA. 

They're begging the question, " Who's Your Farmer ? " with the grand opening of their new CSA home delivery business. The first of their kind in our area and they're getting rave reviews from the locals!  I invite you to visit their link, and if you live on the south shore of Boston, take a trip down to their " Farm Stand " store -front where you can buy fresh, local organic and GMO FREE food straight from many of your local farmers year round'. You just get a taste of the goodness these farmgirls have to offer today but you'll be seeing more of them in the future in the pages of MaryJanesFarm Magazine!

This weeks featured Farmgirl is Amaranth & Kale for the amazing Twig and Acorn wreath she created and shared on last weeks hop!  It's so fun to get outside this time of year and gather sticks, acorns, pine-cones, leaves, dried branches, flowers and seed pods and bring them inside for your harvest decorating.  Just look at this natural beauty!  Go here for the full tutorial!

What natural findings do you like to bring inside and decorate with for fall? 

Now, on with the hop! 

 ~ Your Farmgirl Friday Hostesses ~  

Heidi of My Simple Country Living 
and White Wolf Summit Farmgirl Blog
Dolly of Hibiscus House and Dolly is Cooking
Debbie of Farmgirl Unleashed 
and me of course!

 Here are the rules for the Farmgirl/GUY Blog Hop!

1.) Write a post about your farmgirl lifestyle and brag a little about your farmgirl talents while your at it! Share what being a farmgirl means to you. Include lots of photos of your farm, crafts, animals,  quilts, home decor projects and thrifty make overs, your backyard garden, chicken coop, recipes, studio or workshop. You get the idea!

2). Leave your entry in the  Linky tools space to your  Farmgirl Friday post.

3). Please include the Farmgirl Friday button ( or link back here ) in your post and remember to share this hop with all of your blogging friends!

4.) Enter up to three entries per hop! 


 DON'T BE SHY~  

Be sure to leave a note if you're new to the hop! If you haven't clicked that follow button yet, please join us and be sure to stop by our FACEBOOK page and like us there too! 

As always, thank you for your continued participation and welcome new friends and followers! Wishing you all a wonderful weekend! See you on the hop! 

PS. This is a blog hop, so please share it with your friends by copying the code at the bottom of this post and including it into your weekly entry!