Dear Farm Friends,

The Farm is winding down as we celebrate another successful season. We enjoyed welcoming you, whether it was to visit us at our farm stand or the farmers' market, through our many CSA programs, at our annual seedling sale, as a volunteer or intern, or to enjoy one of our fun, educational events. We're heading into our planning season, and we look forward to having you join us next year as part of our farm community.

Your support is crucial to our shared mission. You enable us to provide farm- fresh produce to all. We are proud to donate a minimum of 10% of our crop to combat food insecurity. We love to welcome all within our community to participate in our special events and programs. We are honored to operate the last working farm in Newton. This land has over 350 years of history, and we are but one tiny piece in an historic chain. You can help us continue to make a difference in our community with your support.

Enjoy your holiday season with your loved ones. We look forward to what the next year will bring, and we thank you for being a part of our farm family!

Allyson MacKenna

NCF Director of Administration and Programs

As the chill of winter sets in, it's a perfect time to adopt sustainable practices that not only benefit the environment but can also save you money and create a cozier home. Here are some practical tips to help you implement sustainable living during the winter months:

1. Energy Efficiency

• Insulate and Seal: Ensure your home is well insulated to keep the heat in and the cold out. Check for drafts around windows and doors and seal any gaps with weatherstripping or caulking.
• Thermostat Management: Lower your thermostat by a few degrees and wear warm layers. Use a programmable thermostat to adjust the temperature automatically when you're asleep or away.
• Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient LED lights. Take advantage of natural light during the day to reduce the need for artificial lighting.

2. Water Conservation

• Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks in faucets, showers, and pipes. Even small drips can waste a significant amount of water over time.
• Efficient Appliances: Use water-efficient appliances, such as low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators, to reduce water consumption.
• Mindful Usage: Collect and use the initial cold water from showers or sinks for watering plants or cleaning.

3. Sustainable Heating

• Eco-Friendly Heating Options: Consider sustainable heating options like solar heating systems. These can reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower your carbon footprint.
• Use Heavy Curtains: Hang heavy, insulated curtains to keep the warmth in and the cold out. Open them during sunny days to let natural light in and close them at night to retain warmth.

4. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle

• Reduce Waste: Be mindful of waste generation. Opt for products with minimal packaging and avoid single-use items.
• Repurpose and Reuse: Find creative ways to repurpose items you already have. For instance, glass jars can be used for storage, and old clothing can become cleaning rags.
• Recycling: Follow your local recycling guidelines and ensure you're recycling materials correctly.
• Be Creative: Practice creative mending to repair rips and worn spots in your clothing and show off your creative side. Classes in creative mending are appearing in many venues.

5. Sustainable Shopping

• Local and Seasonal Foods: Support local farmers and markets by purchasing seasonal produce. This reduces the carbon footprint associated with transporting goods over long distances.
• Eco-Friendly Products: Choose products made from sustainable materials and those with certifications that show they are environmentally friendly.

6. Eco-Conscious Home Activities

• DIY Cleaning Products: Make your own cleaning products using natural ingredients like vinegar and baking soda. They're effective and free from harmful chemicals.
• Composting: Even in winter, you can compost kitchen scraps. Use an indoor composting bin or create an insulated outdoor compost pile.

By incorporating these sustainable practices, you can make a positive impact on the environment while enjoying a warm, comfortable, and eco-friendly home this winter. Small changes can add up to significant benefits for both your household and the planet.

Sign-Up for 2025 Summer CSA Program starts in January!  

2025 Summer CSA Program Overview 

If you enjoy eating fresh, delicious, locally-grown produce, then consider signing up for our 2025 Summer CSA program. Traditionally, our CSA sharers receive significantly more value for their money than buying from the grocery store.

At the beginning of each growing season, CSA sharers purchase a “share” of the upcoming produce, which helps the Farm cover a substantial portion of the costs of our agricultural operations. In return, NCF provides sharers with a supply of sustainably grown, fresh vegetables and herbs each week throughout the farm season.

We have the equivalent of 80 weekly shares available. Some of our sharers enroll for an alternate-week share, which means they pick up produce every other week. Other sharers enroll for a weekly share for their family or else they split their share with another friend or family (or two!).

Watch our website for more details coming soon!

Other CSA Programs

In addition to our Summer CSA program, we also offer separate Fruit Share and Late Fall CSA programs. Information, including enrollment forms and deadlines, will be available on our website by midsummer for the Fruit Share Program and mid-fall for the Late Fall CSA.

Newton Community Farm is proud to participate in the Healthy Incentives Program, or HIP. This Massachusetts program allows qualifying families to purchase healthy, local fruits and vegetables from HIP-participating farm vendors. The HIP program makes local, farm-fresh produce available to all.

Beginning December 1, 2024, the maximum household benefit will be capped at $20. Prior to this, benefits were calculated based on household size. Previously, a household of up to two people received $40 in benefits, a family of three received $60 in benefits, and a family of six received $80 in benefits per month.

To learn more about these changes to the HIP program, please contact your local representatives.

Roasted Winter Vegetable Medley

Here's a delicious and healthy recipe that features winter vegetables. This tasty dish is simple to prepare and makes a perfect side for any meal.

Ingredients

• 2 cups butternut squash, peeled and cubed
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 1 cup carrots, peeled and sliced
• 1 cup parsnips, peeled and sliced
• 1 red onion, cut into wedges
• 3 Tbs. olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 Tb. fresh rosemary, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
• 1 Tb. fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 tsp. dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, carrots, parsnips, and red onion.
3. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and add the minced garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the vegetables are well coated.
4. Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
5. Roast in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized, stirring halfway through for even cooking.
6. Remove from the oven and serve warm.

Tips

• You can customize this recipe by adding other winter vegetables, like sweet potatoes, turnips, or beets.
• For added flavor, sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the vegetables before serving.
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This roasted winter vegetable medley is not only nutritious but also packed with flavor. It's a great way to make the most of seasonal produce during the colder months. 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