How To Support Farmers During COVID-19
I THINK THESE LAST FEW WEEKS HAVE CAUSED US ALL TO TAKE A CLOSER LOOK AT WHERE OUR FOOD COMES FROM AND WITH THAT I’VE NOTICED MORE PEOPLE CARING TO SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS. WITH THAT, HERE ARE MY TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT SMALL SCALE FARMERS IN YOUR COMMUNITY.
Support a farmer’s CSA
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a program designed to benefit both the farmer, and the consumer. Typically it’s a weekly seasonal produce box that runs during the farm’s growing season. Customers purchase the program up-front before the season begins, which gives farmers an 'advance' to be able to purchase seed, soil amendments and other necessary supplies for the season.
Do what you can to support the restaurants who truly support local
It’s a tough time for local restaurants which in turn greatly impacts many of our local farmers. Lots of small and medium scale farmers grow crops specifically for restaurants and for those farms some, if not all, of their crop plan revolves around those restaurants… I’m looking at you black radishes. Many of these restaurants are now offering take out options or gift certificates which are great ways to support these restaurants so they’re around to purchase from farmers in the future.
Buy the weird stuff
In some cases, as farmers adjust their crop plans to attempt to grow product preferred by the general public, we all need to keep in mind that in most cases the seeds are already bought and paid for. It’ll be tough for some of these farmers to pivot into the tired and true produce many folks choose first, so when you’re at the farmers market take a chance and try something less common.
Be understanding when farmers sell out
I promise, we are all working so dang hard to not only keep inventory available for you but to keep our loyal and long term customers fed. These are uncharted waters and a rapid increase in demand can be a tough situation to navigate. The thing with a farm like mine for example, is that ultimately how much meat I’ll produce in a year won’t change much at this point so these increases simply mean we will run out of certain products earlier than anticipated. Know that we’re sorry and don’t want this to be the case but please let us recommend another farmer to you and stick with local producers once we’re restocked.
Keep working with farmers when their policies and procedures change… and then change again
This is a rapidly evolving situation and as essential service workers we don’t have the ability to isolate the way others do, so it’s vital that we set up our business in a way that keeps not only our community safe but also ourselves. We appreciate your understanding and support as we adapt in an effort to continue to get food into homes in our community.
Show ‘em a little love
A little appreciation goes a long way these days. Farmers are working so hard to help you feed your family in these uncertain times. We might be seeing a temporary bump in sales but I can assure you no one is getting rich out here. I know it can feel stressful trying to get the groceries you need but please be gentle with us, we’re doing our best. And even if you find yourself in a position where you can’t physically purchase from the farmers who you wish to support, share their posts on social media, tell your friends about them, and leave nice comments on their posts. It truly does help and who doesn’t like a sweet comment on a hard day?
Kendall ~ Boss Chick at Central Park Farms