Guidance from NOFO-NY
Guidance from NOFO-NY https://www.nofany.org/
Many of you have reached out asking how you can help local farmers. Here are some actions you can take:
· Join a CSA: If you haven't already signed up for a community supported agriculture (CSA) program—a subscription to a farm, which can include weekly boxes of produce, fruit, flowers, eggs, and/or meat—many farmers offer home delivery and pick up options. Find CSAs in your area using NOFA-NY’s Food and Farm Directory, Local Harvest, or Small Farm Central's CSA directory.
· Shop online: Farms and food businesses are moving to online ordering. Check your local farmer’s Facebook or Instagram page to see if they have online ordering with pickup or delivery options. CCE Madison has a program to connect consumers with Madison County farmers for pre-purchase with curbside pickup, and the Ithaca Farmers Market has compiled a list of farms in Tompkins County.
· Shop local: Some farmers markets remain open with enhanced protocols for health and safety. Find a farmers market near you on the Farmers Market Federation of NY website or the NYSDAM website. Local retailers, especially food co-ops, do incredible work to support local farms, year round. Keep supporting these crucial links in the supply chain, visit a co-op grocer near you! The Neighboring Food Co-op Association and National Co+op Grocers have directories.
· Contact your farmer: If your favorite farmer doesn't have a CSA or an online store, contact them to see if you can make a special order or ask about other ways to purchase. Telling them you want to support them could be very meaningful during this difficult time and let them know there's interest for pick-up and delivery options.
Please visit our website for useful resources during the COVID-19 crisis, reach out to us if you have suggestions or need our assistance, and consider becoming a member or making a donation! Contributions help us to adapt and address the needs of our producers, members, and community as they emerge
