Community

Being part of a farming, food-loving community has been one of the best parts of farming in Staunton. A few months ago I was asked by a friend, Kayla MacLachlan (has worked on Geezer Farm) to be part of a group CSA at Newtown Baking. Through this meeting I met Louella Hill, owner of a new cheese making creamery, Ballerino Creamery that is about to open. I also met Laura Beth Dawson, who grows flowers on her farm, Tiny Fields Farm. And joining the group was Wendy Gray (who has helped and encouraged me since we first moved to Staunton) who does marketing and community development at Polyface Farms.

After talking we decided to have a CSA pickup at Newtown Baking Wednesday’s from 4-6 starting May 15. The new effort is called The Newtown Collective. It’s a convenient way for several growers to make their products available to the public all at one time, in one place.

Kayla, and Laurie Berman, owner of Newtown Baking are trying to make the restaurant into a hub of local food and music. After the Wednesday food pickups there will be an old-time music jam happening at the restaurant.

The Newtown Collective will be able to supply cheese, meat and eggs, flowers, bread and vegetables all at one time at one place. The thing I’m most excited about is being part of a group that all believes in providing healthy, nutritious, sustainably grown food and flowers within a few miles of the people consuming it.

Why not consider joining us on Wednesdays, starting May 15 from 4-6. To join any of the different programs please go to each farms website for information about their program. Bread will be available for sale as usual at Newtown.

VEGETABLES: Geezer Farm
MEAT AND EGGS: email Wendy@Polyfacefarms.com
CHEESE: Ballerino Creamery
FLOWERS: Tiny Fields