Hungry Toad Farm, which has been a subsistence farm since 1829, is tucked in among trees and residential neighborhoods in Centerville. Owner Michael Malone emphasizes, “Our primary goals are to serve our neighbors and provide them organic produce and flowers.”
The farm offers many seasonal crops, flowers and items such as local honey, coffee, cheeses and handmade soaps. Located at 9307 Rooks Road (off Clyo Road), the farm store is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, March through December. The fall seasonal offerings include lettuce, winter squash, sweet potatoes, potatoes, onions, garlic, chrysanthemums and dried florals.
“A long time ago, when I was a kid, there weren’t housing developments all around me,” Michael remembers. “I have lived here darn near all my life and I’m 75 years old. As they have built more developments, there are also more people who desire organic food.”
Michael started the three-and-a-half-acre farm in its current configuration in the early 1990s. “Organic is a term that is loosely used,” Michael explains. “I was first certified around 2000. In the last few years, I haven’t certified because the cost has become prohibitive. However, I continue organic farming by the rules issued by the USDA. This property has always been organic.”
Michael notes that the farm has two or three volunteers, but mostly, “Nancy and I do it together.” Nancy Kelly, 72, and Michael have been partners for 14 years.
“We met on Match.com,” Nancy tells us. “I visited him when I knew he would be working at the Second Street Market because I could see him interact with his customers. He looked a little tired, so I bought him a cup of coffee.” They've been supporting each other ever since.
“Nancy is the flower goddess of the farm,” Michael gushes. Nancy laughs that the farm came along with the man. “My mother and I used to collect wildflowers along the road and create arrangements,” Nancy remembers. “Flowers are just pretty. It’s something I have been drawn to most of my life.”
Nancy has been eager to be part of the farm and help Michael realize his dreams, noting that he has an immense drive. “The customers are more than customers,” she enthuses. “They’re our neighbors and our friends and people we have known for a long time. It’s an organic farm and the community is growing organically too.”
Being a part of the neighborhood is as essential to the farm as growing quality products.
“You get back what you give out, and I always looked at creating a better community as creating a better world,” Nancy notes. “We are small, friendly and old-fashioned. I like people to come and see what it is, and if it’s for them.”
For Michael, the best part is the broad range of customers including families with children. “The older I get, the more I enjoy interacting with kids,” he says. “Whenever I have the opportunity, I am very happy to walk kids around the farm and teach them what I can.”
The pair has slowed down a bit, and the community is embracing them and the farm.
“I find as we get older and we can do less and less, we have more people willing to volunteer. I’m thankful to all the people who keep this place going,” Nancy remarks. “As Michael and I age, we rely more on the community, and we hope we’re giving them an education for anything they want to grow.”
For more information and seasonal availability, visit HungryToadFarm.com.
“Our primary goals are to serve our neighbors and provide them organic produce and flowers.”