The foods you crave during the winter -- rich braises, warming soups and stews, piles of roasted veggies and hearty greens -- are begging to be made with local ingredients!

Find them all (you can search for specific foods OR for winter farmers' markets, farm stands, and retailers carrying locally grown foods) in CISA's online guide.

In partnership with the Franklin County CDC and the Pioneer Valley Grows Investment Fund, CISA is offering zero-interest loans of up to $20,000 for Massachusetts farms in Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties affected by extreme precipitation during the 2021 growing season. The Fund is accepting applications from eligible farms struggling to meet their immediate financial needs because of income loss due to flooding, soil loss, crop damage and other 2021 precipitation-related impacts. Applications are due February 7th.

En asociación con el CDC de Franklin County y el Fondo de Inversión "Pioneer Valley Grows," CISA está ofreciendo préstamos sin interés hasta $20,000 para las granjas en los condados de Franklin, Hampden y Hampshire afectados por precipitaciones extremas durante la temporada 2021. El Fondo ya está aceptando solicitudes de granjas calificadas que tienen que cubrir sus necesidades financieras inmediatas causadas por las lluvias, como la pérdida de suelo, daños a los cultivos y otros impactos relacionados con las precipitaciones de 2021. Las solicitudes pueden ser presentadas hasta el 7 de febrero.

Spread the word! We are accepting applications for a full-time Development Director ($73,000-$80,000 salary) who will provide strategic direction and manage CISA’s individual and corporate fundraising efforts, including our annual appeals, major donor cultivation, donor events, and donor communications. CISA’s development work is an integral part of our mission to strengthen local farms and engage the community in building the local food economy. Review began January 12th, and the position will remain open until filled.

At CISA, the winter months are packed! It's when farmers are most available to connect with our staff and to take advantage of the workshops and other support we offer them. Please spread the word to farmers and other local business-people you might know about these opportunities!

Farmers, retailers, restaurateurs, institutional buyers, specialty food producers, and garden centers: sign up now as a member of CISA’s flagship program and reap the benefits of Local Hero membership!