Augusta, ME #farmer day of action
Alrighty, kids! This is just a friendly note to say cuts that the administration is making to local food systems and the USDA are affecting more friends, colleagues, neighbors, businesses and acquaintances than you may realize. This funding (Portland press article with LRF) feeds those who are food insecure and kids of all kinds in every school across Maine (Full Plates, Full Potential). Many of you are frustrated with the rising costs of food; think of the families whose lifeline to food has been slashed, think of the kids who were receiving access to fresh, unprocessed produce at school, think of the farmer who, instead of being asked to donate 1000’s of pounds of food, were paid. Ag is a complicated network here in the US. Some may think that farmers don’t need USDA technical support or grant funding or food assistance. But, if you are reading this, you are a friend of Little Ridge Farm, and this farm has used all of those support networks. It’s why we are able to have fresh winter greens (the 2 high tunnels were a part of that grant funding). It’s why we were able to hire an additional employee the last 4 years (we had a contract through with the Good Shepard Food Bank, through Mainers Feeding Mainers to supply over 10,000lbs of produce each year). Although we are “lucky” in that we are not currently in a program in which we are awaiting reimburse for a project (such as the high tunnels, which cost over $20,000 each btw), we DO use the technical support from the USDA. And our local center in Lewiston has lost nearly every staff person. Folks who have helped me with my transition to Organic, irrigation set up and cover crop planning.
Friends & Farmers and support from Chellie Pingree
I know we are all in our own struggle. And the current daily life seems unpredictable to many. Know that we are doing our best to stay consistent. And that we grow food with care for you, our community and the earth. It’s a passion and our livelihood. We are grateful for your patronage and love of good food.
Join our gentle yoga class
So in the spirit of grounding and consistency, we are offering several “rooted” classes and workshops this summer! We’ll kick the season off with a Seedling Sale on April 26th (and farm market opening), Yoga on May 10th and then move on to gardening classes, pesto making workshop and an OPEN FARM DAY on June 21st!
We are SO CLOSE to getting all this information up on our website with tickets and more info, so keep your eyes open for upcoming blogs and links on Facebook and Instagram.
JOIN THE CSA !!!
Summer is on it’s Way!!!
