Local farms came through to feed our communities during this incredibly challenging year—now it's time for you to be there for them. Show your commitment to the local farms who sustain you by buying from them and by supporting CISA's work.

These days, you'll find plenty of local squash, sweet potatoes, fresh greens, and root veggies, plus local meat, dairy, sweeteners, and more. We're keeping track of farm stands, farmers' markets, restaurants, and everyone else who is open now, and you can filter the list to find home delivery and curbside pickup options too.

The landscape looks different for winter markets this year because COVID-19 has reduced indoor space options. Still, you've got lots of great shopping options and we'll keep you up to date!

This weekend (and beyond):

Next weekend (and beyond):

Beyond beyond:

SNAP/EBT and HIP are welcome at every market—tell your friends! Find more details on HIP here.

Or, let us take care of gifting for you! Order a CISA gift bag for your friends and family, neighbors and colleagues, or yourself. A tote bag with a design by local artist Arielle Jessop, filled with locally grown and made treats—order by December 13th for pickup on December 19th at locations around the Valley.

Sue started The Atherton Farm in 2003, having grown up on the once dairy farm. Today Sue has expanded from selling produce from her picnic table, with a farm stand in the farm's old dairy barn and two new greenhouses. These days, Sue is thinking about the future of the farm and is making plans to pass the farm on to others who will continue the legacy of young farmers learning through doing. As the holidays approach you can find a wide variety of custom-made fir decorations and a limited amount of Christmas trees at the stand, so be sure to stop in!

Would you be willing to help?

Please take this survey. It should take about 15 minutes. Each person who takes the survey before December 31, 2020 will be given a choice to enter a drawing for one of four $25 gift certificates to Simple Gifts or Atlas Farm.

The survey is for research purposes only. You will not be asked to purchase anything. Your answers will be anonymous and held in confidence, and will never be associated with your name, email address, or any other identifying personal information.

Once you have completed the survey, you have the option to follow a link to a separate form, where you may submit your contact information to be entered into a random drawing to win one of four $25 gift certificates to Simple Gifts or Atlas Farm. Contact information that you enter in this section will not be linked to your survey responses. If you are selected to receive a gift certificate, you will be asked to sign a receipt upon collection. The drawing for gift certificates will be held January 15th.

If you have any questions, please contact Dr. Fitzsimmons at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst Department of Resource Economics, jfitzsim@resecon.umass.edu.

Over the past five years, bankESB has donated over $1.7 million dollars to hundreds of organizations, including CISA. “Our charitable giving is centered around bringing people together and enriching lives. And one of the things that makes life so rich throughout the Pioneer Valley are our local farms. We’re proud to help support local farms and restaurants, and to ensure that their products remain available to all,” says Dena M. Hall, EVP, Chief Marketing Officer.

“We pride ourselves in being a part of the community and working to make it a better place by supporting programs and organizations that are important to our members,” Cait Murray, UMassFive’s Community Outreach Manager explains. “Our local farms are such an amazing aspect of our community and we love that many local farms participate in the HIP program. We are committed to ensuring that farms continue getting the support they need in order to thrive."