The Connecticut River Valley has some of the richest and most fertile soils around, which makes us fortunate to have plenty of wonderful farms in our own backyards. Take advantage of the opportunity to enjoy delicious fresh produce all summer long. Now is the time to sign up for a summer CSA/Farm Share. Here’s a list of some Franklin County farms and how you can get fresh veggies from their fields to your kitchen table, as well as other delightful prepared foods.
Sweet Morning Farm, Leyden, MA
Sweet Morning Farm was on the fence about whether or not they would be offering farm shares this summer, with so much uncertainty due to the virus. However, they recently announced that yes, they will! Of course, they will be taking measures to ensure everyone’s safety around pick-ups. All shares will be pre-bagged and there is a delivery option available. Sign up on their website, sweet-morning-farm.blogspot.com, where they also post weekly what you will find in your share.
Red Fire Farm, Montague, MA
Red Fire Farm is still accepting sign-ups for their farm shares in Montague, Granby, Northampton, and Springfield. Their regular summer share, early June through October, is great for households which cook 3 times a week and comes with full pick-your-own privileges. You can also add on baked goods to your share. Sign up is easy on their website, www.redfirefarm.com.
Just Roots, Greenfield, MA
Just Roots is a nonprofit community organization located in Greenfield, Massachusetts, consisting of local people who seek to promote vegetable gardening and grow food on municipal land. They grow their produce on the Greenfield Community Farm which was sold to the Town of Greenfield in 1849 by Justin Root - hence the name Just Roots. You can still sign up for their summer CSA share which runs for 20 weeks from June through October. Each share provides a weekly array of fresh veggies to choose from plus access to the pick-your-own garden. Learn more about Just Roots and sign up for the summer farm share on their website, justroots.org.
Atlas Farm Store, South Deerfield, MA
Located on the rich, fertile soils of South Deerfield in the Connecticut River Valley, Atlas Farm offers their own certified organic produce, as well as other regional, sustainable farm products. They have made it super easy and safe for customers to make purchases through their online store, with curbside pickup available Monday through Friday 9 am to 5 pm. Any order made before 2 pm, can be available within 2-3 hours on the same day! Visit their website, atlasfarm.com, to view their long list of offerings and complete an order.
Natural Roots Farm, Conway, MA
Natural Roots is a horse-powered farm in Conway whose aim is to “raise every plant and animal on the farm in optimal health and vitality.” Although they are sold out of farm shares for the 2020 season, you can still stop by their farm store to purchase a long list of either theirs or other products made locally. They also offer part-time shares, so if you’re only in need of a share for part of the season or a smaller quantity of vegetables than what the share provides, then contact Natural Roots to sign up. Visit their website, naturalroots.com, for more information.
Diemand Farm, Wendell, MA
Anne Diemand Bucci has found herself very busy lately with a huge demand for Diemand Farm’s turkey pot pies. In addition to their popular pot pies, the farm store offers a variety of other prepared foods using their meat such as soups, meat loafs, burritos and more. Some options can even be made gluten-free! They also have vegetarian options and a list of delicious desserts available for purchase. All of their products are made using local ingredients. Visit their website, thediemandfarm.com, to find out what they offer. You can stop by their farm store Monday through Saturday 9 am to 4 pm. They are also offering curbside service or scheduled deliveries by request.
If you are interested in learning more about the area and what each town has to offer click here to explore Franklin County or search for homes for sale by checking out Wanda's search page here.
Photo Credit: Sarah Heminger
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