Sharing the Harvest

In the good news department, we are thinking, although a little belatedly, about an expanded effort by the Food Pantry Farm to get quality produce into the kitchens of East Hampton’s less well-off residents. Until now, membership in one of the area’s community-supported agriculture programs had been more or less limited by cost to those in the upper strata of household income. Now, in a first-year effort, the Food Pantry Farm, which is on Long Lane, has 25 members receiving ample portions of vegetables, flowers, and herbs for a fraction of the cost per week of the better-known and established C.S.A.s.

Canned goods and staples distributed to the area’s in-need residents by food pantries are necessary, but providing fresh ingredients as well is a worthy goal. The low-cost Food Pantry Farm effort helps bridge a gap between those who might be hesitant about accepting donations from the food pantries, but who might be eager to enjoy the best the land has to offer. A recent weekly selection, for example, included a delicious array of cucumbers, radishes, lettuce, kale, carrots, peas, and basil.

Food aid here takes a number of forms, and each is important. Though the South Fork has tremendous wealth, life is difficult here for many in the work force. This is made all the more so by exorbitant housing and utility costs, which can leave little for much else, including fresh vegetables. The disparity between the tables of the rich and the less-wealthy can be wide despite this area’s productive soil and resurgent agriculture. 

Other C.S.A.s and for-profit artisanal farmers and food producers are also quietly helping out, and are to be thanked. To those who have not yet made a commitment to provide what they can, let us suggest they do so. Enjoyment of the abundance of the East End should not be the sole province of the region’s richest.