The New Season Brings Changes at the Farm  

As the farm season draws near, many of you are inquiring about some changes that have occurred over the past several months. Here are answers to a few of the most common questions.

In the spring of 2010 Pennypack Farm requested that our land host, The College Settlement Camp of Philadelphia (CSC) review our year-to-year lease in hopes of having the terms of the lease extended for multiple years. This review revealed that the farm, as interpreted by CSC, was not in compliance with the original intent of the lease agreement. As a result, some of our programs have been scaled back or discontinued. The program changes are as follows:

Chickens: Our laying hens will not be returning to the farm this year. At the end of the 2010 season, farm friends adopted all 200+ hens giving them a new beginning in the growing "backyard chicken" movement.

Local Food Market: The market will remained closed due to our inability to meet Montgomery County licensing requirements. We are however, making every attempt to educate "foodies" about ways to source healthy, local foods. Keep watching our newsletter for information or ask during your weekly farm pickups.

Education Programs: The farm will continue to provide on-site educational programming for CSA shareholders (look for new programs this spring!). Unfortunately, due to the restrictions in our lease, we are no longer able to provide farm-based education to the community or to school/scout groups. But, there is good news! Through a new lease agreement with our neighbor, The Resurrection Lutheran Church, we have access to a very large classroom and kitchen. The space is working out well for our adult cooking series and Teen Battle Chef program. Check out our website for the latest in great education/cooking programs which are open to the entire community.

New land: No, we're not moving! It's a simple case of supply and demand. The demand for fresh, local, and sustainably produced food is greater than we can physically accommodate on our existing acreage. So, the Board of Directors and Farm Staff are aggressively searching for additional acreage. We have a few parcels that we are currently investigating. We intend to continue farming the current Pennypack Farm property while expanding to an additional property that can accommodate our 300 person waitlist and our desire to provide educational programming to "the masses".

There have been many changes in the past year, but the board and staff remain committed to the mission of Pennypack Farm & Education Center. In closing, remember the words of Margaret Mead, "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."

Kristy Gregory, President

Walk Against Hunger

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Founded in 1996, the Walk/Run Against Hunger is an annual event that brings together thousands of people to raise funding for anti-hunger programs in the Philadelphia region. These include soup kitchens, food pantries and organizations such as Pennypack Farm. This year we are assembling a team of farmers, board members and anyone interested in joining the effort against hunger. The funding raised through this program allow us to offer CSA shares at a reduced rate to those in need.

Join us! Register now for the Walk+Run Against Hunger. CLICK HERE to register. Just be sure to enter your team name as "Pennypack Farm" and to indicate that the proceeds of your participation will benefit "Pennypack Farm & Education Center" (the registration form will prompt you).
 
Our goal is to raise $3000 to support our Food Security Programs. We are 1/3 of the way there already! Help us to raise the rest by participating in the event or donating.
 
Questions? Email president@pennypackfarm.org.