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Farm share pickup at Crimson and Clover Farm in Florence.
(Photo courtesy Crimson and Clover Farm)
NORTHAMPTON -- Two local organizations are working to get fresh, locally grown produce into the hands of low-income residents.
Crimson and Clover Farm, located on Spring Street in Florence, is preparing for its sixth season of offering half-off farm shares for Northampton-area families that receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Grow Food Northampton, a nonprofit that focuses on sustainable agriculture and food security and owns Crimson and Clover's farm land, will pay for half the cost of a small farm share -- or $225 -- that feeds up to two people weekly from June through November.
"This program has helped us be able to reach folks who wouldn't have been able to afford a CSA [Community Supported Agriculture] share otherwise," said Jen Smith, co-owner of Crimson and Clover Farm.
The program will serve up to 50 families this year, according to Clem Clay, executive director of Grow Food Northampton -- up from 40 last year and 26 in 2014.
Small-share participants can choose from six items out of 12 to 14 different types of vegetables on their designated weekly pickup days. Produce options change throughout the season.
Participating families are able to pay $45 monthly using their SNAP benefits, further easing the farm share cost, Clay said.
The program is one of several initiatives managed by Grow Food Northampton that boosts access to its 120-acre Northampton Community Farm, most of which is leased to Crimson and Clover and a few other farms. For example, its senior farm share program delivers deeply discounted bags of produce from Crimson and Clover to the Northampton Senior Center weekly.
The organization also offers a discounted fee for low-income gardeners to participate in its organic community garden, and grows and delivers fresh vegetables to local soup kitchens and food pantries.
Expansion of these programs in 2016 will be paid for through a grant from the Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation, Clay said.
The shares are available for pick up on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. or Saturdays 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Those who are interested and already receiving SNAP benefits can call Grow Food Northampton at 413-320-4799 ext. 104 for more information.