Winchester Farmers Market Newsletter for September 18

According to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Massachusetts ranks sixth in the country in number of farmers markets, and the number of farm shares, or CSAs (Community Supported Agriculture programs) is ever-increasing. But the growing season is short in New England. Most markets and CSAs wind down in October, leaving locally minded consumers wondering where to shop for local food. Fortunately, more and more sources of winter produce are available in our area.

For those ready to make a commitment to eating locally year-round, several groups have begun offering winter farm shares. As with any other CSA, these usually require you to pay in advance so that the farmers can plan and buy supplies, and you share with them both the risks and the rewards of farming. Options vary widely, from weekly to monthly deliveries including everything from storage vegetables to honey and maple syrup, pickles, and preserves.

The Shared Harvest CSA is a partnership between six local growers: Busa Farm, Riverland Farm, Picadilly Farm, Brookwood Farm, Cider Hill Farm, and Moraine Farm. From October through December, they provide a smorgasbord of fall and winter produce. Two month shares, distributed on Nov. 20 and Dec. 18, are still available., and can be picked up at Busa Farm in Lexington or at the Bradley Estate, home of Brookwood Community Farm, in Canton. Members can also order special add-ons, including Fiore di Nonno handmade cheese, Taza chocolate, local apples, and cider, maple syrup, honey and more.

Other farms offering winter shares include Drumlin Farm (Nov. through Feb. pick-ups at the farm in Lincoln), Red Fire Farm, (offering Nov. through March pick-ups in Cambridge, Somerville, and other cities), and Farmer Dave's (pick-ups in Somerville and other cities).

Looking for some meat to go with those winter potatoes? Omnivores can enjoy year-round access to locally raised meat, as well. Chestnut Farm in Hardwick offers a fall/winter meat share that can be picked up in Arlington or neighboring communities. Austin Brothers Valley Farm delivers meat shares to Central Square in Cambridge from December through June. The Farm School in North Orange delivers monthly shares to Watertown. Stillman's Farm offers winter meat shares starting in January or March, with pick-up points in Jamaica Plain and Brookline.

For the more casual consumer, winter farmers markets are one of the best ways to get locally and sustainably grown produce in the off-season. Many of you got to enjoy the indoor winter market in Winchester last November, and the Winchester Farmers Market will again be holding an indoor winter market in November and another one in December. Watch this newsletter for details. There are several markets that stay open through the fall, closing up shop only once winter has really set in. The Boston Public Market at City Hall Plaza takes place on Mondays and Wednesdays through November 24 from 11AM to 6PM. The Davis Square Farmers Market is also open every Wednesday, from noon to 6PM, through Thanksgiving. Both scale back to a 5PM closing when daylight savings time ends. Farther afield is the Jamaica Plain Farmers Market, which runs until just before Christmas. Hours are 12:00PM to 5:00PM on Tuesdays and till 3:00PM on Saturdays. For last-minute holiday shopping, Lexington's Seasons Four will host a one-day winter market on Tuesday, November 23.

Even in the deepest part of winter, it is still possible to shop for local food at farmers markets. The Wayland Winter Indoor Farmers' Market, at Russell's Garden Center, opens on January 8, 2011, and volunteers of the Natick Community Organic Farm staff a market at the Johnson School on Route 27 on Saturday mornings, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM, from January through March. Another market, new this year, is planned for Somerville. Groundwork Somerville, Union Square Main Streets, and other local agencies are working with the city to make the market dream come true. Details are still being negotiated, but the Center for the Arts at the Armory has offered to host the market, which may be held on Saturday mornings.

There are many reasons to eat local. You can feel good about supporting local farmers and businesses, and the super-fresh food they sell tastes great. Plus, buying what's in season locally can save money. Now, with so many options for local food in the winter months, you can add convenience to the list!

Thank you to Leah Bloom and Gretta Anderson of Shared Harvest for providing this useful article!