Dear Breadfriends (6/2/2014). Two worthy projects!
Hello Dear Breadfriends and Crustfund Members,
YES, it is another note from your bakers!
With this note I want to tell you about two projects we are involved with, and that I think you might be interested in.. and that you might be interested in supporting.
The first is the YOUTH FARM PROJECT. The Youth Farm Project a collaboration of Three Swallows Farm, the Full Plate Farm Collective CSA, the Lehman Alternative Community School (LACS), and the Southside Community Center, and its goal is to create farming and job opportunities for youth ages 14-18. It's a beautiful thing: the kids learn to work the land, to work together, and know intimately how their labor, their environment, their health and food, and their community come together. We think the program is terrific, and we've had the opportunity to stand beside them for the past few years, and we're proud to support them. Right now, the Youth Farm Project is raising money for farm equipment, tools, materials, and all the whatnot that goes into farming. If you'd like to help, you can click HERE, and that will take you to their fundraising page.
The second is the GROUNDSWELL CENTER FOR LOCAL FOOD AND FARMING. I imagine, and assume, that you all know something about Groundswell, but I hope you don't mind if I tell you a little more. Groundswell is an agriculture education nonprofit, and it strives, simply, to support the growth of small farms and the communities that support them. We (I say "we" because I am on the Groundswell Steering Committee) have a LOT going on. We connect young and aspiring farmers get skills and training from more experienced farmers, we run an "incubator farm" where new farmers can get started without the large investments required for farm ownership. We operate a network that connects landowners with land-seeking farmers; we offer training and land for new Americans and immigrants who want to start up small farming enterprises; and we help educate and support the community of "food-citizens" who make farm businesses possible. Like the Youth Farm Project, the GROUNDSWELL CENTER FOR LOCAL FOOD AND FARMING is one of the many beautiful things that have emerged from the primordial cultural soup that is Ithaca. At the bakery, we think it's an inspiring and good project.
But Groundswell is struggling right now. The center has been funded by a variety of grants over the past few years, but it has not fared so well this year. Many Groundswell programs are in jeopardy. Groundswell could use your help! If you would like to donate to the project, you can do it by clicking HERE.
And THAT is the end of my letters full of requests! At least for now.
I hope you are all enjoying this beautiful evening!
More letters to follow. I promise.
With great affection,
Stef