Fresh . . . and Affordable
Food Pantry Farm on Long Lane in East Hampton launched its Working Families community-supported agriculture program this week.
Under the pilot program, 25 local families and individuals got the opportunity to join a C.S.A. program — through which members receive a weekly share of things grown at a farm — at an affordable rate.
The farm, established on five acres at the East End Community Organic Farm to grow produce for distribution to food pantries and other charitable organizations, raised money to establish the low-cost pilot program.
Members pay $150 for a share of the farm produce for 12 weeks, until Sept. 12. It will include at least four types of vegetables, plus flowers and herbs and, occasionally, other food items sold at the organization’s farmstand.
The program is a way to provide access to nutritious, seasonal local food to working people whose budgets and work hours preclude access to the produce at local farm markets, removing the barriers to better nutrition and wellness for all members of the community. Shares at C.S.A. programs of similar length at other local farms can cost up to $750.
The idea grew after a story appeared in The Star last summer outlining concerns about proper nutrition over the vacation break for children whose families relied on a school lunch program, said Ira Bezoza, a Food Pantry Farm board member.
To get the program going, Food Pantry Farm worked with Goodcircle, an East Hampton organization that connects nonprofits with businesses and individuals in order to fund community projects.
The effort yielded a total of $28,300, with a boost from Men at Work Construction of Wainscott, which matched every dollar raised.
The money will cover planting and harvesting costs, the cost of a seasonal employee, and other administrative efforts for this year, including the preparation of educational materials, recipes, menus, and more to be distributed along with the food. Food Pantry Farm hopes the program can continue and become self-sustaining.
The first weekly produce baskets distributed on Monday contained cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, kale, carrots, peas, and basil. Members also went home with some potted flowers, and a copy of the “Delicious Nutritious FoodBook” prepared by Edible School Gardens.