Many, Many Thanks & 2020 Updates
BACKGROUND || Here at Arbor Farmstead, we have evolved as a farm more over the past two months than we have over the past four years. As generally risk-averse folks, we typically invest a great deal of thought and planning into strategically growing our business. However, when Vermont entered a “State of Emergency” and Governor Scott issued “Stay Home, Stay Safe” orders in March 2020, it quickly became clear that neighbors were seeking ways to stay connected with local food - there was little time for strategy! By the end of the month, we launched a delivery program, which we have continued for the last eight weeks. This has been a success because of YOU!
THANK YOU || It is difficult to articulate how much of an impact delivery program supporters have made on us, our farm, and our fellow neighbors. Much of our farming income stream is dependent on ready-to-eat farm products and woodcrafts sold at farmers’ markets. As we came to terms that this was not in the future for Summer 2020, we were uplifted (both emotionally and financially) with the orders that have so reliably come in each week. In carrying products from other farms and producers, we were able to spread this timely uplift to other businesses, too. Additionally, by the end of the delivery program, we will have donated nearly $300 to Champlain Islanders Developing Essential Resources (C.I.D.E.R.) through our sanctuary egg fundraiser.
THANK YOU, DONORS || Through our “Community Basket” program, we have distributed over $1,000 of farm products to Islanders in need of food assistance. Thanks to each of you in our neighborhood - both here in Vermont and beyond - who have helped keep the basket filled. We were able to accommodate each order that came in. Feedback from program recipients has illuminated how big of an impact is possible through many small actions. As this program comes to an end, we will be in touch with program recipients to help connect them with other resources. Any remaining donations will be passed on to a local initiative addressing food insecurity here in the Islands (more on this collaboration soon!).
LOOKING FORWARD || Saturday, May 16 will be our final day offering deliveries in Grand Isle County. We will be shifting our focus to getting plants tucked into the ground so we can continue to provide food through the months ahead. While Alisha tends to planting, Kyle will be working on building a self-serve farmstand here on Faywood Rd., which we anticipate opening in early June. We will offer a variety of the same products that many of you have reported enjoying over the past eight weeks. Though we will not be participating as vendors in the Burlington Farmers’ Market and will only be day vending at the Champlain Islands Farmers’ Market, know that these markets are still opening this spring with many great vendors. We remain hopeful that there will again come a time when we can safely serve snowcones, slushies, and sodas with our fruit syrups at markets. Until then, fresh fruit at our farmstand will have to see us all through!
THANK YOU ALL, AGAIN || At the risk of saying thank you too many times in one note, thank you! In these uncertain times, you have provided us with the support, inspiration, and hope we needed to keep on going - and keep on growing.
IF YOU ARE LOOKING FOR THE OTHER VENDORS WE CARRY IN OUR ONLINE STORE…
DonnaSue Bakes + Cooks will be opening a self-serve/honor system bake shop on the corner of US Route 2 and Griswold Road in Grand Isle. Opening day is Thursday, May 21! The shop will be stocked with a variety of baked goods such as pies, cookies and cakes, along with fresh water and cold brew . In the future , DonnaSue will carry to-go savory and vegetarian items as well. Whether you are driving along Route 2 or cycling by on Griswold Road, please stop and take a look around. Open the fridge, take a break and enjoy a treat. If you have questions, comments or would like to chat about a special order, DonnaSue can be reached by email shawdonnasue@gmail.com , by phone 372-5835, or through text (802) 370-4840
Wally’s Place (http://www.wallysplacevt.com/) is offering expanded hours in the coming weeks for takeout and curbside delivery with updates available on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/wallysplacevt/)
Allenholm Farm (https://www.allenholm.com/) opens their farmstand on South Street this month. You can order a pie for pickup by calling Pam Allen at 802-372-5566.
Grand Isle Pasta is available online (http://www.grandislepasta.com/) with updates available on their Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/Grand.Isle.Pasta).