Meet The Farmers

The average piece of food travels 1,500 miles to your refrigerator.

A group of Westporters wants to cut that to 100.

Last year, the Unitarian Church sponsored a Community Supported Agriculture program.  Over 40 families bought full ($600) or half ($300) shares.  On a rotating basis, from early June through the end of October, each family drove to Stone Gardens Farm in Shelton. They returned with enough food for 8 families.

The bounty was enormous:  sweet corn, plump tomatoes, kale, peas, beets, Swiss chard, squash, pickles, onions, peppers, eggplants, peaches, plums, apples, potatoes, spinach, squash and much more.  Most weeks there were tasty eggs; sometimes chicken, even grass-fed beef.

The families got a great deal on fantastic food.  They shared recipes, and a harvest feast at season’s end.

The farmers — Fred and Stacia Monahan — appreciated knowing there would be a constant demand for whatever they grew.

This year, organizers are expanding the idea.  A hundred families have already signed up — and it’s likely there will be a co-op drop-off spot in Westport, eliminating the Shelton run.

Tomorrow from 12:30 to 2 p.m., the Unitarian Church is hosting a lunch.  Interested residents can meet Fred, Stacia and CSA members, and enjoy fresh, homemade soup.

Crumbs, beware!

(For more information, contact Rebecca Howe: heres-howe@mindspring.com)

Checking out the goods last year in Shelton