Dear Farm Friends,

As the year draws to a close, it's hard to believe how quickly time has passed. With the arrival of cooler weather, we are winding down operations for the season and beginning preparations for next year's harvest. Our farm stand will remain open until Thanksgiving, offering you the chance to enjoy our farm-fresh produce. Moreover, our Thanksgiving Harvest bags contain everything you need for a memorable family feast—just add the turkey!

We've valued every moment spent with you at the Farm, whether it was while you were collecting your CSA share, browsing our annual seedling sale, or participating in one of our educational or family-friendly events. Your presence at the community events has meant a lot to us. We're excited about the events we're planning for next year and hope you'll join us. Stay tuned!

Allyson MacKenna

NCF Director

We are delighted to offer our Thanksgiving Harvest Bags again this year. Available for pickup on the Monday before Thanksgiving, these bags contain all the produce necessary to complete your Thanksgiving feast. Harvest Bags include:

• 1 lb. native Massachusetts, heirloom cranberries
• 5 lbs. organic white potatoes
• 3 lbs. organic sweet potatoes
• 2 lbs. organic yellow onions
• 2 sugar pumpkins
• 2 organic butternut squash
• 3 lbs. apples
• 1 lb. carrots
• 1 bunch of parsley
• 1 bunch of sage

Only 50 bags are available, so don't miss out. Order yours today!

Cost: $84

Pickup: Monday, November 25, between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m.

At Newton Community Farm, we believe that sustainable farming is not just a buzzword but a crucial practice that benefits both our environment and our community. By adopting sustainable methods, we can ensure that our farm remains productive and healthy while preserving the health of the planet for generations to come.

Why Sustainable Farming? 

Sustainable farming practices aim to meet our current food needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet theirs. This involves practices that protect human communities and the environment. Unlike conventional farming, which can lead to soil degradation, water pollution, and loss of biodiversity, sustainable farming focuses on long-term health.

Key Practices in Sustainable Farming

1. Crop Rotation: This practice involves alternating the types of crops grown in a particular area from season to season. It helps prevent soil depletion, reduce pest and disease cycles, and improve soil health.
2. Thoughtful Practices: By using the minimal amount of pest control measures that are effective and using natural fertilizing methods, sustainable farming maintains the health of the soil and the food it grows. This practice relies on natural processes and materials, reducing harmful chemical runoff.
3. Water Conservation: Efficient water use is critical. Techniques like drip irrigation help conserve water, ensuring that crops receive the right amount without waste.
4. Composting: Composting converts organic waste into valuable fertilizer. This enriches the soil and reduces the need for chemicals. It also helps manage farm waste in a sustainable way.
5. Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops like clover or rye during the off-season prevents soil erosion, improves soil structure, and boosts the fertility of the fields.

Benefits to Our Community

• Environmental Impact: Sustainable farming reduces our carbon footprint, minimizes pollution, and promotes biodiversity.
• Healthier Produce: Utilizing sustainable methods produces healthier and more nutritious food.
• Community Engagement: Sustainable practices foster a deeper connection between the farm and our community, encouraging local support and participation.

Join Us in Our Mission 

You can be part of this journey toward a more sustainable future. Your continued support is crucial to the work we do at Newton Community Farm. Whether it's through participation in our CSA programs, attending our fun events, or volunteering, you make everything possible.

Together we can ensure that Newton Community Farm remains a cornerstone of sustainability and health for years to come. Thank you for your dedication to our shared values. Let's grow a greener tomorrow, one sustainable step at a time!

You can buy fresh, locally grown produce every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Our farm stand is open, selling produce grown right here on the Farm as well as from other local growers. The farm stand is located on Winchester Street.

Farm Stand Hours

Thursdays and Fridays, 1:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For updated hours and to see what is available at the farm stand each week, make sure to check our website.

Please note that in order to keep you and our staff safe, the farm stand will close temporarily during periods of extreme weather (thunderstorms, temperatures above 95 degrees). Please plan accordingly.

Thank you to all who joined us for our Fall Family Fun Party! We loved watching families share the joy of being here as they learned about sustainable agriculture. Activities included a mini tour of the Farm, a scavenger hunt, a seed/produce matching game, and a community art project that we will hang right here in the barn! Families also learned about composting as they listened to stories and music. The Russian School of Mathematics participated as a sponsor this year, and their table offered fun math-based learning activities the kids loved!

Of course, our signature event is our unique pumpkin decorating station. The kids had a great time using natural materials to decorate their free pumpkins. There were so many creative designs!

Thank you to our hard-working volunteers who made this event possible. And a big thank you to our premier sponsor, Wegmans!

Fresh Pumpkin Pie

Nothing says Thanksgiving like homemade, fresh pumpkin pie! This recipe uses real sugar pumpkin, but feel free to substitute canned pumpkin puree if you prefer.

Ingredients

• 1 sugar pumpkin (2 to 3 pounds), for fresh pumpkin puree (you can substitute 1 can of pumpkin puree if you prefer)
• 1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1 9-inch unbaked piecrust

Instructions

1. Prepare the pumpkin:

• Preheat the oven to 350°F. Cut the sugar pumpkin in half and remove the seeds.
• Place the halves cut-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
• Bake for about 45 minutes to 1 hour or until the flesh is tender.
• Scoop out the flesh and puree it in a food processor until smooth. Measure 2 cups of puree for the pie.

1. Make the pie:

• Increase the oven temperature to 425°F.
• In a large bowl, mix the pumpkin puree, sweetened condensed milk, eggs, spices, and salt until smooth.
• Pour the mixture into the pie crust.
• Bake for 15 minutes, then reduce the oven temperature to 350°F and continue baking for 40 minutes or until a knife inserted near the center comes out clean.
• Let the pie cool on a wire rack, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
• 
  

Pro tip: Fresh pumpkin puree adds an extra depth of flavor! Serve with whipped 

cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Enjoy!

Newton Community Farm is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, EIN #20-2482452. If you would prefer to donate by mail, please send a check payable to Newton Community Farm at the address below. Please also check with your employer if matching funds are available.

NEWTON COMMUNITY FARM

303 Nahanton Street

Newton, MA 02459

617-916-9655

www.newtoncommunityfarm.org

information@newtoncommunityfarm.org