At Grow Food Northampton, when we talk about the concept of investment, our thoughts go less to stock portfolios and more to this definition of the word: an act of devoting time, effort, or energy to a particular undertaking with the expectation of a worthwhile result.
In 2024, join Grow Food Northampton in committing to investments in. . .
The Earth
Planting native species - Choose native plants for landscaping, as they are adapted to the local environment and support local wildlife. Check out Nasami Plant Trust for educational workshops and to purchase plants. www.NativePlantTrust.org
Joining or organizing community cleanup events - Start small in your neighborhood or join the Connecticut River Conservancy’s (CRC) mailing list. CRC will be hosting tree planting events to strengthen riverbanks this spring and its annual Source to Sea Cleanup in the fall.
www.CTRiver.org/
Planting a tree - Participate in tree planting initiatives to combat deforestation and contribute to carbon sequestration. The City of Northampton will host their annual Arbor Day tree giveaway on April 26 in front of City Hall. The trees are free of charge for residents to plant on private property.
The Local Food System by. . .
Shopping local - Grow Food Northampton’s Tuesday Market opens for the season on April 16. Plan a stop every Tuesday between 1:30-6:30 in the plaza behind Thornes Marketplace in downtown Northampton and enjoy the largest selection of local food and crafts around. Looking for local food anytime? River Valley Coop in Northampton and Easthampton are the go-to.
Joining a CSA - CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a model many local farms use to sell shares of their harvest in advance. It provides financial support to the farmer and shares in the risks and rewards of the growing season. Three great options for local CSAs, depending on your location and needs are: Crimson and Clover Farm in Florence, Red Fire Farm in Montague, and Mountain View Farm in Easthampton. All have various options for the type and size of CSA, as well as various pick-up options. Plus, CSAs offer extras like pick-your-own to make the most of the growing season.
Growing your own - Reduce your food miles to zero by growing your fruits, vegetables and herbs. A patch of yard, a community garden plot, or a ceramic pot are all great places to grow your own. The Valley is also full of farms that grow healthy seedlings to get you going!
Ourselves and our children by. . .
Planting seeds for the future - Help young people understand environmental responsibility, enjoy locally grown foods, and support environmentally-friendly food systems for a better future by setting examples at home. Talking about these topics, cooking together, and joining community events as a family help to grow future ambassadors for a healthy planet.
Having healthy food - Growing and purchasing local nutrient-rich foods and consuming lots of fresh local produce is a powerful way to support physical and mental health, boost energy levels, and enhance overall quality of life.
Investing in your community - A strong and resilient community starts with engaged members. Supporting small businesses, attending local events, and getting to know your neighbors all go a long way to fostering a brighter future.
Choose native plants for landscaping, as they adapt to the local environment and support local wildlife