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Focus on Food: Buying local just makes sense

February 25, 2013 By

by Anne Biggs, Bucks County Foodshed Alliance

So you’re thinking of committing to eating a diet that is largely made up of fresh, local foods? Great!

“Buying local” means you are accessing fresher fruits and veggies that retain more nutrients and flavor than their much-traveled counterparts on the chain store shelves even if they are organic. “Locally grown” connects you to the smaller family farms that use fewer petroleum-based fertilizers and harmful pesticides and herbicides.

Along with burdening the environment less, they offer you produce, dairy, eggs and meats for your table that carry a much-reduced risk of the food-borne contaminants known to cause major health outbreaks.

Your local buying can contribute to a “cycle of abundance” here in Bucks County.  The community’s support of the local farming economy through purchases of products helps farmers make a living wage and remain on their land.

That stems the loss of our farms and leads to more open land – better for the environment – and more economically viable farming businesses – better for the economy as well as the future of growing food.

And don’t forget: more bucks spent at Bucks farms means more bucks staying in Bucks County. What’s spent here helps other businesses thrive, including many that you and your neighbors depend on.

Growers in Bucks County are extending their harvest season, expanding their capacity and adding places to purchase their products. Right now, in what we’ve always considered “the dead of winter,” you have many sources of nutritious and delicious local fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and dairy products, as well as fine products made from locally grown ingredients.

Here are a few; for details and more information, go to BucksCountyFoodshedAlliance.org, email admin@BucksCountyFoodshedAlliance.org or call 215.598.3979:

  • Farmers’ markets – Winter “mini-markets” are held around the county from Thanksgiving until the markets reopen in spring.
  • Local farm stands or farm markets – These retail operations are run by the farmer to sell the products of the farm and often those of other growers and producers nearby.
  • CSAs – “Community-supported agriculture” farms have shares for sale now, so look into how you can invest in your local farmer and receive a “share” of the bounty every week, all season long. Search “CSA Bucks County” online to learn more.
  • Groceries devoted to local and organic – Search “Bucks organic foods” for locations near you.
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Rolling Harvest Food Rescue

January 23, 2013 By

You are invited to learn more about Rolling Harvest Food Rescue, the 501(c)3 tax-exempt nonprofit organization previously known as Gas Guzzling for Good.

Their mission is simple: to connect donated fresh, locally grown and nutritious produce from farmers in the region with neighbors in need. They work efficiently and effectively to get the food to where it’s needed the most. They glean in the fields and help with the harvest.

And they educate with a variety of printed nutrition information and recipe handouts at their free farmers markets located in many of their social service sites to encourage the recipients, many of them families and senior citizens, to incorporate this healthy food into their daily diets. 

Rolling Harvest Food Rescue began in 2009 with a handful of volunteers and a couple of farms. This year they delivered more than 37,000 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy food to local hunger relief and social service sites throughout Bucks County in Pennsylvania and into Hunterdon and Mercer Counties in New Jersey.

Rolling Harvest has now grown to include 10 partner farms and markets and more than 20 distribution sites, including food pantries, soup kitchens, domestic violence and homeless shelters and low-income senior housing. To ensure freshness, the produce is usually delivered directly from farm to families within just a few hours.

There are many local farmers and grocers who want to share their excess farm fresh vegetables and fruits with neighbors in need, but lack the time and staff it would take to ensure effective distribution.

And that’s where Rolling Harvest steps in. They collect from these farms and markets at their convenience and according to their own schedules. 

Along with the founder and director, Cathy Snyder, more than 30 volunteers contribute their time and talents in carrying out this service during the harvest months from May through December. There is never a charge to the sites for deliveries or a pick-up fee to the generous farmers and grocers who give.

More than 25% of the people helped are children, and more than 12% are low-income, struggling seniors. With Rolling Harvest, they now have access to quality, locally grown, fresh and healthy fruits and vegetables in their daily diet.

The face of hunger in our area is changing. Many are underemployed, recently laid off, disabled or struggling with home foreclosures or even homelessness.

Rolling Harvest Food Rescue is committed to helping their partner sites provide better and healthier food choices for them and their families. And they are committed to growing their services to meet the ever-increasing need.

For more information visit www.RollingHarvest.org.

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Thorpe Farm: Providing healthy, farm fresh local products

December 11, 2012 By
THORPE PROFILE

 

by June Portnoy

The owners of Thorpe Farm recognize that there is a direct correlation between what we eat and our health. As a result, they provide a healthier option for nutrition by growing and purchasing crops that are free from toxic chemicals and hormones. 

They are one of the few organically equivalent farms in Bucks County. The animals, which are ethically raised on their land, are fed a toxic-free diet. Plus, they have an abundant supply of pure water for all their agricultural needs.

All of these healthy farming methods make Thorpe Farm a valued and unique addition to the community.

Thorpe Farm is located on a historic piece of land that was purchased by William Penn in the early 1700s. Renee and Dale Thorpe, fourth generation owners of this farm, truly care about what they sell to their customers.

For the past five years, Renee and Dale, along with their five children, have operated a Farm Market Store, providing only the healthiest products in Bucks County.

“We are a small farm with loyal customers,” says Renee.  “People who shop here like the fact that we run it like a local farm store.  They prefer knowing what they are buying and who they are buying it from.”

This store sells only local products, including those grown and raised at Thorpe Farm.

“Come to our market to support your local farmers and keep us all in business,” says Renee.  “When buying from local farmers, you are keeping your money in your community, which helps build up the area in which you live.”

Some of the fresh produce Thorpe Farm grows includes asparagus, blackberries and raspberries. Bison (buffalo) and beef are available for sale. They are processed in the most humane manner possible.

Thorpe Farm also sells Griggstown Farm products, including a nice variety of pies. This farm follows the same practices as Thorpe Farm.

In addition, you can find bottled milk, organic vegetables, fresh apple cider and bird feed from local farms, plus much more, at Thorpe’s store.

With the holidays upon us, come to Thorpe Farm to purchase your Christmas tree. The farm uses no chemical sprays, and all trees are local PA Christmas trees. The Thorpes know how to select healthy trees that will last longer. These trees are located undercover, so inclement weather won’t prevent you from selecting your holiday tree.

Also, each tree is drilled into a stand, so you can see the whole tree standing up straight, enabling you to better visualize how it will look in your home. Trees are on sale from now through Christmas. Visit the store for a large selection of ornaments, wreaths, garlands, poinsettia and miscellaneous Christmas items. 

In addition to its store, Thorpe Farm has a petting zoo. While you shop, bring your kids to see the chicken, emus and rabbits, in addition to Porkchop, the pot-bellied pig, and Petey, the four-month-old calf.

Also enjoy a hayride out back to visit the farm’s 40 horses and cows and its 20 sheep that will come right up to the wagon all year long. You’ll also see cattle grazing on the farm.

“Our customers enjoy coming here for our warm, friendly atmosphere,” says Renee.  “Our family members play a big part in this farm and help out in the market. Dale is on-hand practically all the time.”

Hours are Mondays through Fridays from 10:00am until 6:00pm and Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00am until 6:00pm. For more information about Thorpe Farm, located at 371 Stony Brook Road in Washington Crossing, call 215-872-8042.

PHOTO CAP: Renee and Dale on their farm

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2012 Fall Hatchery Program at Howell Farm

February 21, 2012 By

Howell Farm is accepting applications for parent/child enrollment in its spring Hatchery Program which begins in March. The program is designed to introduce children to life on the farm, while parents volunteer time helping the Howell Farm staff work with school group visits to the farm and other chores related to farming. One parent must work at the Farm as a volunteer in exchange for one child’s participation in the program. No experience is necessary.

The Hatchery Program is for children aged three to five years and features activities such as feeding farm animals, collecting eggs, storytelling, and taking a hayride ride.

[Read more...]

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4-H agricultural program continues to grow in Bucks County

October 4, 2011 By

by June Portnoy

When you look around Bucks County, chances are you primarily see a suburban area consisting of an endless number of housing developments and shopping centers. So, it might surprise you to learn that Bucks County ranks as the 25th county in Pennsylvania in agriculture with $70 million gross sales. The reality is that this county still has a strong agricultural presence.

[Read more...]

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POSTPONED: SNIPES FARM TOUR & POTLUCK WED., SEPT. 7 TO SEPT 14

September 8, 2011 By

POSTPONED: SNIPES FARM TOUR & POTLUCK WED., SEPT. 7 TO SEPT 14

The Bucks County Foodshed Alliance (BCFA) presents the final event in its popular summer series of farm evenings on Wednesday, September 7th, with Snipes Farm & Education Center, operating on the historic family-owned and operated farm in Morrisville.  Believing in the power of nature and community to heal and teach, the present generation of the Snipes family, the 11th to farm in Lower Bucks County, has offered the use of its land for the establishment of a 501 (c)3 not-for-profit educational resource.

The center’s mission is to model and teach sustainable farming, while building community and reconnecting people to the land.  The family, staff and volunteers envision a world where everyone has access to healthy food, open space and the experience of farming; where local economies are strengthened by the preservation of small farms; and where priority is given to sustaining the earth and its natural resources.

The center offers farm-to-school education programs in partnership with area school districts, after-school programs, community education and field trips; a variety of day camp experiences for a range of ages; fall harvest weekends with a six-acre corn maze, hayrides and campfires; and parties and group outings.

Snipes Farm has more than 30 acres of land dedicated to growing local, healthy, nutrient dense, sustainable produce offered as a CSA (community-supported agriculture) program and pick-your-own low-spray apples, blackberries, blueberries and pumpkins in season, along with distribution to local schools and restaurants.

The Summer Farm Evening features a potluck supper at 6:30pm followed by the 7:30pm farmer-guided tour.  Gates open at 6:00.  There is no charge and no need to register for the event, but please bring a picnic dish to share and your own beverages, eating equipment and seating, and wear sturdy shoes.  This educational and entertaining event is appropriate for all ages, including school-aged children who are under an adult’s supervision.

Snipes Farm & Education Center is located at 890 W. Bridge Street (Route 32, Lincoln Highway), Morrisville.

Any cancellations due to extremes of weather (thunderstorms, flooding) will be posted on the BCFA Web site, www.BucksCountyFoodshedAlliance.org.

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Paxson Hill Farm: A rare place in New Hope where flora and fauna tickle the senses

June 23, 2011 By

Paxson Hill

by Susan Sandor

Lush!

That is the all-encompassing description of what visitors will feel when leisurely strolling through Paxson Hill Farm in New Hope.

There are 20 acres of gardens under cultivation that are open to the public without an admission fee.

Horticulturist Bruce Gangawer has been developing this once flat, barren land since 1997 and has transformed it into the amazing multi-faceted landscape it is today, using many unusual specimen plants he cultivates and sells at the nursery on the farm.

Imagine 10,000 grape hyacinths planted in a wave along a grassy pathway; a meandering Japanese iris garden woven through a long stretch of cascading waterfalls; a hand-forged bridge that crosses a pond and leads into a green maze at the top of a hill where a gazebo is perched; a totem pole and other artistic creations carved from enormous trees that have been given a second lease on life; the sounds and motions of frogs, fish, and turtles jumping into underwater hiding places in a placid pond; grazing miniature donkeys, goats, alpacas, sheep, and emus; free-to-wander gregarious peacocks, turkeys, and pheasants; and a greenhouse full of tropical plants nearly all year, but particularly from late fall through May, since many residents overwinter their prized specimens at Paxson Hill Farm.

There is also a well-attended outdoor arts and crafts exhibit that takes place later in the season with about 60 local artists participating.

A perfectly sane day in New Hope away from the sometimes-maddening crowds can be found just a few miles outside of town at the pastoral Paxson Hill Farm. Children, animal lovers, and of course, garden enthusiasts will be in their glory here.

Paxson Hill Farm is located at 3265 Comfort Road, New Hope, and is open every day except Monday.

Call for more information 215-297-1010.

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‘Fresh From Bucks County Farms’ farm market directory now available

June 22, 2011 By

Just in time for the start of the 2011 growing season, “Fresh From Bucks County Farms,” a local listing of 75 places where you can buy local produce is available from Penn State Extension.

This popular guide identifies farmers markets, CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture), and roadside markets where hungry consumers will find locally produced fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs, wine, cheese and their agricultural products.

“Fresh From Farms” is available at all Bucks County libraries and on request from Penn State Extension- Bucks County by calling 215-345-3283. It’s on the Web at http://www.buckscounty.org/Visitors/Farms/FarmFresh2011.pdf.

Community Farmers Markets are another great way for consumers to connect with a variety of produce. Doylestown, Ottsville, Lower Makefield, Langhorne, New Hope, Plumsteadville, Wrightstown and Feasterville each have a weekly market. At least one of these markets is open Tuesday through Saturday. Each market has a unique blend of vendors. Find locations and detail in “Fresh From Farms.”

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