Cultivating Connections
June 2023
|
|
A note from Lindsey, ACORN's E.D.:
If you are reading this, thank you. Thank you for being part of this community. Thank you you for supporting local agriculture and food production throughout the years, in good times and bad. As most of you know by now, for the last 10 days, Vermont has had front row seats to Mother Nature's newest show, Climate Chaos. 🌪
Over the course of the last week and a half, multiple variations and iterations of water and wind appeared on our doorsteps and reminded us once again of the raw power of nature, with many folks experiencing flashbacks to 2011's Tropical Storm Irene. Our state capital, as well as our main city center and various towns along the spines of our mountains and banks of our rivers experienced unexpected rising waters, mudslides, and at least one tornado. Homes have slid off hillsides, roads have been upturned, farms are experiencing total crop failure. And. And. Our community is turning up. Volunteers are trucking in pallets of donated supplies, mucking out roads and homes, and salvaging crops from sodden fields. 🙏
Many of you have asked what can be done, and also, what resources are available to whom. This month's email is focused on flood recovery resources, both for our growers and for our community at large who are looking to contribute support. The most immediate needs will be financial donations to help farms recoup the costs from lost crops, followed by volunteers to help clean up and rebuild, followed by our evergreen responsibility of purchasing local food and farm products as much as you can. A strong local food system needs the whole community supporting it. 🛍
Before we dive into the many, many resources that have emerged, I HIGHLY recommend getting out and picking blueberries and raspberries THIS WEEK. 🫐
Not only will you be supporting the many farms in our area who are in peak harvest season, but you'll also feel the healing properties of being outside among these beautiful plants, as well as the visceral delight of warm berries melting in your mouth. Pick so many berries that you need to freeze pounds of juicy fruit, which can delightfully be rediscovered again and again in the depths of winter. 🥧
If you've been feeling the heaviness of this summer's climate chaos, picking berries may just be the uplifting antidote you need. 🌿
In gratitude for all of you,
Lindsey🪶
|
|
Farmer Specific Resources |
|
Tomorrow! July 20th
Join a Q&A Session for Flooded Produce Fields, Forage & Feed Crops
Please join the Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food & Markets and UVM Extension for a special Q&A session focused on what to do with flooded produce, corn, pasture, and other forage crops. Get the best, most up-to-date guidelines from ag experts as you navigate the recovery process.
When: Thursday, July 20 at 12:00 p.m.
Where: Microsoft Teams
How to Join: Click below to join the meeting. If you cannot attend the live session, a recording will be posted at agriculture.vermont.gov/flood.
|
|
Informational Resources
Connect with other farmers as folks navigate market disruptions due to the flood. If you have lost sales/distribution channels or equipment, make a note in the spreadsheet. Conversely, if you are able to take extra products at your farmstand/CSA/other sales outlet, can assist with distribution, or have equipment to share, please share that as well. People who have matching needs and resources to share are encouraged to connect directly.
Financial Resources + Discounts
-
Apply for assistance through the Center for an Agricultural Economy's Vermont Farm Fund Emergency Loan
-
The NOFA-VT Farmer Emergency Fund is available to assist Vermont certified organic and NOFA-VT member commercial farmers (join membership here) who are in financial need. Farmers may request up to $2,500 in grants that do not need to be repaid. As the community continues to provide aid through this fund, we will disperse money directly to farmers.
-
VT Compost Company is offering a discount of up to 50% off for purchases made to help farm businesses recover. If your farm has experienced crop or infrastructure loss due to flooding and you believe potting soil or compost could help with your recovery efforts for this season, please email info@vermontcompost.com
-
If you are able to reseed this fall, Johnny’s is able to offer seed at a one-time, 20% discount. Please reach out to Emma directly: egolonka@johnnyseeds.com
-
Red Wagon Plants has about 400 plants of kale free for anyone who will be able to replant after the flood. They are able to stay in those cells another few weeks if you cannot replant right away. There are also free plants that are viable but cannot be sold due to over-inventory or over-grown-ness. Email: julie@redwagonplants.com
Health + Wellness Resources
-
Farm First has dedicated farmer peers available to talk to any farmers this week. Farmers can access our resource coordinator, counselor, or peers by contacting:
- (802) 318-5538 during daytime work hours (8:00 AM-4:30 PM M-F)
- (877) 493-6216 outside of daytime work hours
-
Email: Eva Griffin at EvaG@farmfirst.org
-
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline - The 988 Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call 988 if in crisis.
-
Vermont Department of Mental Health Flood Resources - A disaster event such as this historic flooding is unexpected and often brings out strong emotions. People can call or text the SAMHSA Disaster Distress Helpline’s toll-free number (1–800–985–5990) and receive immediate counseling.
Resources in Spanish from the General Consulate of Mexico
The General Consulate of Mexico has gathered information on resources and any type of assist the Mexican community might need. Please spread this information around if you’re aware of any Mexicans who may need emergency assistance.
Information on staying safe during a flood in 17 different languages
|
|
Flood Resources for the Community |
|
Provide Financial Support
Volunteer Your Time
We’re hearing from farmers that many need volunteer labor. While they assess the damage, NOFA-VT is collecting a list of folks who would be interested in volunteering when farms are ready. If you’d like to be put on their volunteer list, please fill out this quick form and they'll be in touch when a farm expresses need in your area. (Also feel free to email us at info@acornvt.org in case we know of anyone also looking for help!)
Additional Resources / Action Items
|
|
🥦 Throughout the Year, Buy Local 🍗
|
|
Tour de Farms: Less than 150 tix left! |
|
The 15th annual Tour de Farms bike ride is Sunday, September 17 in Shoreham.
This is ACORN’s largest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds support ACORN’s new Food Hub in Middlebury, which provides critical infrastructure for a strong local food system. Register early to save money!
Ticket prices increase August 19.
|
|
|
|
Thanks to Jess, the ACORN Food Hub Manager, for sharing this much needed comic relief during our team meeting earlier this week! |
|
Here's to our community coming together in times of need to create collective resilience. ✨
Now, go enjoy those berries!
Lindsey, Jess, Lilah, Marlow and the ACORN Board
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
