Holiday shopping that supports local farms
Members of the Chenango Family Food Co-op welcoming customers to their "little red barn" on NYS Route 12 behind La Maison Blanc. (Submitted photo)
By Sanora Ross
NORWICH – Tucked behind La Maison Blanche bakery in Norwich, New York, there is a little red barn making a big difference for agricultural producers and for individuals seeking wholesome food.
The newly formed Chenango Family Food CO-OP (CFFC) gathers unique organic products from many agricultural establishments in the region. Their membership program delivers to its members a monthly selection of locally produced organic items like nuts, dried foods, beans, etc from a 500 mile region. Other products include sourced international products like rice obtained from organizations like Regional Access that imports products.
CFFC members are united in their vision to give access to quality foods that support local farms and reduce the ecological footprint impacted by the cost of transportation from commercial food suppliers. Quality of food is important to the CFFC family.
Charter member Phil Metzger commented on the history of CFFC by saying, “A group comprised of Miby Kim, Trellen Smith, Deb Whitman, Canice Paliotta, and Ron Zisa got together and we discussed our needs for finding larger varieties of organic and locally sourced products to enhance our diet.
The idea of forming a cooperative purchase network took shape and with the support of Miby Kim, we gained access to our little red barn where once a month we benefit from excellent food selections,” said Metzguer
Understanding the challenges agricultural producers are facing with the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the group is promoting holiday gift certificates to increase sales for regional farms. “Shopping locally during the holidays is not easy.
Our network supports many farms whose incomes were impacted by the lack of opportunities to sell products at holiday shows or farm markets,” said Metzger encouraging the community to explore gift certificates to try the products.
According to Metzger, one of the challenges faced by the group is attracting more local producers to include their food items in the mix they offer to members.
“We would benefit from having more suppliers to expand our quality foods product line,” commented Metzger.
As for the future, CFFC is exploring the opportunity to add fresh natural products such as organic milk, cheese, meats, and others.
Metzger encouraged the community to visit the CFFC website to support the gift certificates program and to inquire about opportunities to sell locally grown high quality foods. For more information about the program visit https://www.chenangofamilyfoodcoop.org/ or email chenangofamilyfoodcoop@gmail.com.
NORWICH – Tucked behind La Maison Blanche bakery in Norwich, New York, there is a little red barn making a big difference for agricultural producers and for individuals seeking wholesome food.
The newly formed Chenango Family Food CO-OP (CFFC) gathers unique organic products from many agricultural establishments in the region. Their membership program delivers to its members a monthly selection of locally produced organic items like nuts, dried foods, beans, etc from a 500 mile region. Other products include sourced international products like rice obtained from organizations like Regional Access that imports products.
CFFC members are united in their vision to give access to quality foods that support local farms and reduce the ecological footprint impacted by the cost of transportation from commercial food suppliers. Quality of food is important to the CFFC family.
Charter member Phil Metzger commented on the history of CFFC by saying, “A group comprised of Miby Kim, Trellen Smith, Deb Whitman, Canice Paliotta, and Ron Zisa got together and we discussed our needs for finding larger varieties of organic and locally sourced products to enhance our diet.
The idea of forming a cooperative purchase network took shape and with the support of Miby Kim, we gained access to our little red barn where once a month we benefit from excellent food selections,” said Metzguer
Understanding the challenges agricultural producers are facing with the COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the group is promoting holiday gift certificates to increase sales for regional farms. “Shopping locally during the holidays is not easy.
Our network supports many farms whose incomes were impacted by the lack of opportunities to sell products at holiday shows or farm markets,” said Metzger encouraging the community to explore gift certificates to try the products.
According to Metzger, one of the challenges faced by the group is attracting more local producers to include their food items in the mix they offer to members.
“We would benefit from having more suppliers to expand our quality foods product line,” commented Metzger.
As for the future, CFFC is exploring the opportunity to add fresh natural products such as organic milk, cheese, meats, and others.
Metzger encouraged the community to visit the CFFC website to support the gift certificates program and to inquire about opportunities to sell locally grown high quality foods. For more information about the program visit https://www.chenangofamilyfoodcoop.org/ or email chenangofamilyfoodcoop@gmail.com.
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