Issue link: https://cp.revolio.com/i/1511188
Page 6 | Abby's Magazine | instagram.com/abbyshealthfood and what our farm is not! and what our farm is not! What Abby's Farm is… What Abby's Farm is… The Future of Farming Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! Visit our site to learn, contribute and/or volunteer! abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org abbysfarm.org In our Orientation/Introduction workshop for prospective new members, I always do a segment on "who we are and who we are not". For instance, we are a qualified nonprofit 501(c)3 organization and we sell nothing. We are not a CSA or Co-op that "sells" a box of food weekly or monthly that may or may not have been grown on their farm. In sharp contrast, we are a community/ member based educational venue that teaches families how to grow their own food. The "teaching… learning part" happens in community with other like-minded families, from all over the world, that all possess varying degrees of knowledge from total novice to expert gardeners. This outdoor training ground and experimental lab provides the perfect setting for visitors attending our Field Trips, Nature Labs and Honeybee Experience each year, which currently serves over 1000 students annually. But quite frankly, the real magic of what happens at the farm is largely unnoticed and undocumented because of its subtle occurrences… A place of refuge and reflection For a mother, who lost an adult child in an accident, to regroup by working with their hands, getting dirty and helping to build something for future generations to enjoy. For a business leader to come out and "serve" and submit to the authority of others, while decompressing and clearing their mind and eliminating stress. For recently retired folks to find new meaning and purpose while building lifelong relationships with likeminded people. For a mother and daughter (grown) to reconnect and work together on their raised bed and community responsibilities while the daughter is recovering from an illness. Generally spending quality time walking the grounds, talking, and just relaxing under the trees. For a mother and teenage son to find common ground gardening, mowing, mulching and being a part of something bigger than themselves. A place of health and healing For a young couple working side by side, along with their young children, teaching them the importance of growing their own healthy, organic food. For cancer survivors that have learned the value of being outdoors in a healthy environment and growing their own food specific to their diet. For a business executive that learned that working hard outside regularly, in a beautiful environment can also be a great weight loss program… even though that wasn't the objective. A place of giving… and receiving We make no apology for asking members to put in time (2 days a week, 3-5 hours a week); get dirty; work like a dogp and help build and improve the farm. Why? Because it's not about us. Everything we do is about the future and the next generation. It really is time, talent and treasure that is donated by each and every volunteer. The time (described above), their talents and skills they bring to the community and the financial support by making raised bed donations, as well as periodic voluntary donations for specific improvements. Ah, the receiving! Yeah, that part is pretty cool too. Our farm produces over 28,000 lbs. of food annually (vegetables, fruit is counted separately) which is enjoyed by about 100 families. That would represent about a $280 to $800 value or benefit per family. Our volunteers have described their own personal experience at the farm in so many unusual ways that we really never anticipated. It's pretty easy to conclude that like other things in life… the farm can be whatever you want or need it to be. It just requires a willingness to step out, engage and do something good for you.