CISA's January 2024 enewlsetter

First and foremost, a big THANK YOU!

We're so grateful to the 1,090 of you who made donations to CISA in 2023! Your generosity makes CISA, and the local food system we support, so much stronger.

What's in season? Deep winter bounty!

This time of year enjoy warming, nourishing soups, roasts, and braises made with sweet root veggies, crisp winter greens, and local meats. There's a ton of local food available all winter long and that's exactly what you want to eat during these cold months!

Winter markets are open!

Stop by a winter farmers' market this week to stock up on everything local farms have to offer.

Find winter markets here >

Use HIP all winter long.

Did you know that if you have SNAP, you can automatically get an instant rebate of at least $40 a month when you buy produce from participating local farms and markets, thanks to the state's Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)?

Find a HIP location >

Dreaming of spring? Sign up for a summer farm share now!

Local farms are now accepting sign-ups for farm shares for this coming growing season. Sign up now and get a weekly distribution of the harvest! Many farms allow for installment payments, or accept SNAP and HIP -- and don't forget about the UMassFive no-interest Farm Share loans!

Find your farm share >

On the front lines of climate change

How are local farmers adapting to climate change? Well, they're changing how they farm, investing in new infrastructure to make that possible, advocating for funding for climate-friendly adaptations, digging deeply into their communities, and taking note of the lessons that can be gleaned from recent disasters. Now live on CISA's Climate Change and Farming blog: a three-part series published in partnership with the Daily Hampshire Gazette showcasing this work and the local farmers who are undertaking it.

Read "On the front lines of climate change" now >

Photo: Sarah Voiland of Red Fire Farm at a Farmers for Climate event in DC

Showcase: climate change adaptation at Foxtrot Farm

"If we're going to (adapt to climate change), we have to make a few paradigm shifts," says Abby Ferla of Foxtrot Farm, where they've started to shift what they grow and to offer a CSA featuring climate-resilient crops. Watch! ------>

Get to know our Local Heroes!

NEPM: Walker Farm at Whortleberry Hill

Joan Walker, a nurse turned farmer and self proclaimed carnivore, joined CISA on The Fabulous 413.

Hear all about how she raises over 60 head of certified humane, animal welfare approved,100% grass-fed cattle. The results? Flavorful steaks, roasts and even hot dogs that are second to none. (We got to try the hot dogs – oooooo boy….)

Listen!

Valley Bounty: Leverett Village Co-op

This year, the Leverett Village Co-op turns 50. Over half a century, it has grown beyond a grocery store to become a cultural institution and hidden gem on North Leverett Road. For many it is an indispensable source of food for fuel and food for the soul, and they don’t want to imagine life without it.

Read all about them >

Valley Bounty: Mass Food Delivery

Mass Food Delivery was born in March of 2020 as farmers’ markets began closing in response to the pandemic. Julia Coffey of Mycoterra Farm saw the need for a new outlet for local farms, and worked to meet it. Today, this delivery business connects local farms to people throughout the state.

Read all about them >

NEPM: Barstow's Longview Farm

Denise Barstow Manz joined us to talk about the "legendairy" Barstow's Longview Farm and Barstow's Dairy Store and Bakery, which has been "looking forward since 1806."

Listen!

Nominate YOUR local hero!

Since 2003, CISA has recognized farmers, institutions, businesses, and everyday community members whose work helps sustain local agriculture. Awardees will be honored at CISA’s annual meeting in 2024. Who do YOU think should be recognized this year? Let us know by February 1st!

Eligibility requirements & nomination form here >

Local Hero enrollment is open now

Farmers, restaurateurs, retailers, institutional buyers, specialty food producers, and landscape and garden centers: heads up! Enrollment in CISA's signature program is open. Join now to reap all the benefits of membership, including marketing help, technical assistance, and connection to CISA's network of local businesses.

Details and enrollment >