Even though it is the middle of winter the Board and Staff of Pennypack Farm keep working! I am excited to be the new President of Pennypack Farm, but I must express my gratitude before I introduce myself. Our Past-President, Kristy Gregory has been the champion for Pennypack for the past two years. She gave countless volunteer hours (and miles) to the farm she loves. Her leadership during this time has been invaluable. I know I have big shoes to fill and encourage everyone to thank her for all she has done the next time they see her.

 

The start of this year will mark my 4th year of involvement with Pennypack and 3rd of being on its Board of Directors. I grew up in Lancaster County where I was surrounded by a thriving farming community. After I moved to southeast Pennsylvania I searched for a new farming community and was ecstatic to learn about Pennypack. I joined and quickly knew the quality of the food could only be matched by the enthusiasm of its members. I consider myself fortunate to be part of such a great organization created by committed employees, shareholders and board members.

 

In 2012 we enter our 10th season of farming operations. Our organization has grown significantly in that time thanks to committed board, staff and volunteers. The past few years our rapid growth slowed and we were able to take a much needed breath. But now the board is excited to move Pennypack into a new stage of growth!

 

You will see below one piece of our growth plan; a longer term lease with College Settlement Camp. Please respond with letters and pictures showing your support for our farm! Also be assured that no matter what the outcome of the RFP, all shares sold for the 2012 summer season will be just as bountiful as years past.

 

I encourage you to continue to read the Pickings for updates on our growth opportunities. We know that because of your commitment to the mission of Pennypack Farm, you will assist us as we create opportunities for more families to benefit from our high quality CSA, Education and Food Donation programs.

 

Anthony Spangler

President, Board of Directors 

Pennypack Farm & Education Center is hosted by College Settlement Camp (CSC), another nonprofit organization. They provide the land that we farm, and we provide educational programming for their campers. CSC is reorganizing their camp structure and reviewing their land use this spring. As part of this process, CSC has started a Request for Proposals (RFP) process for the parcel of land that we now occupy. They are asking for proposals for an organic farm with a three-year lease, with the lease term beginning in January 2013.

 

Pennypack Farm is uniquely positioned to work together with CSC on this property. Since our founding ten years ago on this site, our farming operation has grown steadily. We are now serving 380 families in the community with the summer CSA program and 115 in the winter, providing three area food cupboards with over 4,000 pounds of fresh produce yearly, in addition to providing community service learning opportunities for teens and corporate groups as well as educational programming for our members and CSC.

 

We anticipate that the RFP will give us a well-defined contract with CSC for the next three years. As we currently have a year-to-year lease, we are excited to solidify our relationship with CSC by submitting a proposal. We hope this RFP process will give us greater security and a better ability to plan for Pennypack Farm's future, as we have a long waiting list and we would love to expand and serve more CSA members in the community.

 

You Can Help!

 

What does Pennypack Farm & Education Center mean to you?

How is Pennypack Farm a benefit to your community?  

 

We need YOUR stories about Pennypack Farm for our proposal. Send us an email, a letter, a drawing, a photo, a poem. Ask your kids to draw a picture or write a note about programs you have attended. 

 

Send your letters to:

administrator@pennypackfarm.org 

or

Pennypack Farm & Education Center

685 Mann Road, Horsham, PA 19044