The Frost Valley Educational Farm is usually home to our farm campers this time of year, but due to the pandemic, all of our overnight camp programs have been cancelled. However, that doesn’t stop our crops from growing and our farmers from farming – safely of course! Throughout the summer we have been donating much of our bounty to the United Methodist Food Pantry in Ellenville, NY and recently, we were able to participate in another way to serve our community.
This past Monday, July 27, we embarked on a new endeavor to get our produce into the kitchens of our community members. Frost Valley participated in the Sullivan Fresh Farmer’s Market, which was created to “help bring fresh fruits and veggies to a food desert community. It also helps to get produce to seniors and low income residents who lack transportation.” Given our mission and values, we knew this was a perfect opportunity for the Frost Valley Educational Farm.
This past Monday, the farm was able to reduce waste by bringing excess produce from last week, as well as products that do not typically sell at the Hub or Neversink General Store, to the Market. Of all the day’s sales for Frost Valley, 43% were made possible through the Farmers Market Nutrition Program Coupons and EBT, thereby serving community members without or with very limited access to fresh, market produce. In addition, Frost Valley donated 35 pounds of cucumbers and kale.
We’re so grateful for the opportunity to continue to find new opportunities for carrying out our mission despite the limitations of the pandemic. Thank you to everyone who continues to support these efforts!
