Sustainability Movie Series and Expo - PLANEAT

Tuesday April 10, $10 at the Ambler Theatre 

6:30pm Expo in Theatre Lobby, with free tastings

7:30pm Movie followed by a panel discussion

 

Join us for the last movie of the series.  Special treats will be available at the expo and the panel discussion is sure to be lively.  The film explores how a vegetarian diet is much better for our own health and the health of the planet.  Panelists will debate that point and discuss how cattle and other livestock when integrated into our farms can benefit the environment.  Is the answer - no meat? or less meat that is humanely-raised and integrated back into traditional farms?  Come on Tuesday and find out.

 

Please Support Team Pennypack in the
Walk Against Hunger  

Did you know that in Philadelphia, nearly one in two children received

Saturday, April 14, 2012

help from a food pantry last year? Or that since the start of the recession, a record number of families have sought help from food pantries and soup kitchens for the first time in their lives? Many of these programs rely on the Walk Against Hunger to buy food, kitchen equipment and other necessities to serve the growing number of people coming to them for help.

 

For the second year, Pennypack Farm & Education Center has put together a team to walk and run to fight hunger. The funds we raise with your donation will support OUR anti-hunger program here at Pennypack Farm. As you may know, part of our mission is to provide fresh vegetables to families in need. We have a program that allows West Philadelphia families who receive SNAP benefits (AKA Food Stamps) to purchase a CSA share for a small weekly price. The family pays just $150 for a share that costs us $450 to grow. Last year we had 6 families participate and had a list of families who wanted to join. This year we want to double the program but we NEED YOUR HELP!

 

So far, we have raised $1,200 in pledges. Our goal is $4,100.......so you can see that we have far to go.

At Pennypack Farm, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to bring home fresh organic produce to their family.  Please consider supporting team Pennypack as we walk to fight hunger and to provide our fresh, healthy produce to families in need.

Donating is easy!
1. Visit https://org2.democracyinaction.org/o/6777/t/11865/my/donate.jsp?supporter_my_donate_page_KEY=3927
2. This will take you to "Pennypack Farm: Raina and Jenn Run!" donation page. From there, just follow the prompts!
 
Or, simply send us a check with "walk against hunger" in the memo.

Thank you!
Kristy Gregory

New Share Duty Information

As part of your membership we ask that every member complete a total of 4 share duty hours for the entire season.  While in the past we had designated Share Duty Days throughout the year, we have a new system this year.  Starting May 5th, every Saturday from 8 am to 12 pm you will have the opportunity to fulfill your hours.  You can come for the whole time and fill the hours in one visit, or stay for a shorter length of time over multiple visits.  When you arrive, find the farmer who is working that particular Saturday to see what needs to be done.  Be sure to log your hours in the harvest house!

Any questions, contact katie@pennypackfarm.org

 

Are You a Perennial Flower Fan?

 We need you to help us with the annual deadheading, weeding, mulching and dividing of our border perennial beds. We would love to have a volunteer leader and 4-5 helpers. This counts toward your share duty! Interested? Please contact Margot at
administrator@pennypackfarm.org

Homegrown Community 

I am still feeling the buzz from participating in the Homegrown Institute's community conference "Springing Good Intentions into Action." There were a lot of familiar faces in the crowd; teaching, learning, and sharing.

 

Plenty of farm staff and CSA members were involved, volunteering their time to organize, and teach. Our farm director Andy shared his knowledge on organic farming, and pest management. I worked with teens on chopping vegetables, learning about nutrition, and cooking a healthy stirfry.

 

By the end of the 2 day intensive we were filled to the brim with information on vermicomposting, rain water management, fermentation, backyard chickens, and season extension. We would like to thank Sarah Gabriel for initiating the conference and bringing together so many knowledgeable community members to learn from.

 

Looking forward to next time!

Raina Ainslie