Dear Farm Friends,

October is one of our favorite months here at the Farm. The weather is warm during the day and crisp at night, conducive to all kinds of fun autumn activities. If you are looking for a fun day with the kids, you can't beat our free Fall Family Fun Party, taking place on Sunday, October 6, from 9:30 a.m. to noon. There will be fun activities to engage the entire family, including our famous pumpkin decorating station! You can sign up here.

Although our Late Fall CSA is sold out, we are excited to once again offer our Harvest Bags just in time for Thanksgiving. Last year we sold out, so don't delay. Order here to be sure you have all the trimmings you need for an amazing Thanksgiving feast!

The Newton North Farmers' Market closes later this month, but you can still enjoy fresh produce straight from the field at our farm stand. While you are there, be bold and pick out some vegetables you are not as familiar with and try out some new recipes! You are sure to find some new favorites!

Allyson MacKenna

Director of Administration and Programs

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.

We are also at the Newton North Farmers' Market at Newton North High School on Saturdays.

Newton North Farmers' Market Hours:

Saturdays, 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Last Day is October 19

We are excited to once again offer our Thanksgiving Harvest Bags this year. Ready for pickup on the Monday before Thanksgiving, the bags have all the produce you need to complete your Thanksgiving meal. 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.

Sunday, October 6

Fall Family Fun Party

303 Nahanton St., Newton

9:30 a.m. to noon

This popular event is lots of fun for the whole family! There will be a Farm scavenger hunt, story time, pumpkin decorating, seed matching game, and more.

Register here for this free event. And make sure to mark your calendars today!

Thank you to this year's sponsors, Wegmans and the Russian School of Mathematics.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Wegmans, our principal event sponsor. Their generous contribution has made it possible for us to present this event at no cost. Our sincere thanks to Wegmans!

The Health Benefits of Fall Vegetables

As the leaves change color and the air turns crisp, fall brings a bounty of delicious and nutritious vegetables. Incorporating these seasonal veggies into your diet can offer numerous health benefits. Here are some of the top fall vegetables and why they are so good for you.

1. Kale

Kale is a powerhouse of nutrients, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as several B vitamins. It’s also rich in antioxidants, which help combat inflammation and protect against chronic diseases.

2. Potatoes

Potatoes are a versatile and nutrient-rich vegetable. They are an excellent source of vitamin C, which supports the immune system, and potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure. Potatoes also provide fiber, which aids in digestion, and B vitamins, which are essential for energy metabolism.

3. Brussels Sprouts

These mini cabbages are loaded with fiber, vitamins C and K, and folate. They are excellent for heart health and can help reduce the risk of certain cancers due to their high antioxidant content.

4. Carrots

Carrots are well known for their high beta-carotene content, which the body converts into vitamin A. This nutrient is crucial for maintaining good vision and a healthy immune system. Carrots also provide fiber, potassium, and several B vitamins.

5. Pumpkins and Squash

These fall favorites are rich in beta-carotene, which supports skin and eye health. They are also high in fiber, which aids in digestion and helps maintain a healthy weight. Additionally, pumpkins and squash have a low glycemic index, making them a good choice for blood-sugar management.

6. Leeks

Leeks are a member of the allium family, related to onions and garlic. They are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, and provide beneficial antioxidants like kaempferol, which may protect against heart disease and certain cancers. Leeks also support healthy digestion and have anti-inflammatory properties.

7. Beets

Beets are high in nitrates, which can help lower blood pressure and improve athletic performance. They also provide fiber, folate, and vitamin C, making them a great addition to a heart-healthy diet.

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Incorporating these fall vegetables into your meals can not only enhance the flavor of your dishes but also provide significant health benefits. From boosting your immune system to supporting heart health, these seasonal veggies are a delicious way to stay healthy this autumn.

Potato Leek Soup

Here’s a simple and delicious recipe for potato leek soup.

Ingredients

• 3 large leeks (white and light-green parts only)
• 4 medium Yukon gold potatoes
• 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
• 2 Tbs. butter
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 tsp. fresh thyme leaves (or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional for extra creaminess)
• Fresh chives or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Slice the leeks lengthwise and rinse under cold water to remove any dirt. Chop them into small pieces.
2. Melt the butter in a pot.
3. Add the leeks, diced potatoes, broth, butter, bay leaf, thyme, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 15–20 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender.
4. Remove the bay leaf. Use an immersion blender to purée the soup until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender but be careful with the hot liquid.
5. Stir in the heavy cream if you want a richer, creamier soup. Heat through but do not boil.
6. Ladle the soup into bowls and garnish with fresh chives or parsley if desired.
7. Enjoy!

We are still looking for volunteers to help on the Farm on Thursday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon and Saturday mornings from 10 a.m. to noon. If you like getting your hands dirty, we'd love to have you! Due to our small size, we are unable to accommodate drop-in volunteers.

Please click here to sign up for available shifts.

We also need event helpers for our Fall Family Fun Day on Sunday, October 6. Click here to sign up.

Thank you!

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