NORTHSHIRE grown

Northshire Grown: Direct, a Covid-19 response effort to support area farmers and food producers, held its first six markets at JK Adams in Dorset starting on April 1, 2020. Since then NG:D has held 20 markets at the Dorset Playhouse, where the project has been housed since last June. There are two remaining markets at the Playhouse on May 12 and May 26. Join in the fun! NG:D is an open platform - visit www.northshiregrown.com for order forms.

MFFC has been pleased to help introduce the region to the amazing diversity of high quality and nutritious produce, meats, dairy and value added products that are grown and produced here and around Vermont. This work directly enhances our mission to support the area’s working lands. Very special thanks to the Dorset Players, Dorset Theater Festival and Dorset Union Store for their help in making this project possible.

Northshire Neighbors in Need is an initiative nested in Northshire Grown: Direct that has been incredible to watch grow. Thanks to customer-generated philanthropy, NG:DD is able to distribute bags of the delicious, nutritious food offered in our markets to area families facing food shortages. Customers support the initiative through donations on order forms. These families love the variety and quality of the offerings. Best. Food. Ever. is what our community connectors from Dorset Church, Mettowee Community School, Rupert Food Pantry and Smokey House hear a lot! NG:D has distributed over 500 boxes in the last 15 months.

The power of NG:D lies in the partnership between farmers, coordinators, and customers; in neighbors stepping up to help neighbors; and through the camaraderie, safety and good will that the project has engendered. We call it win, win , win - happy farmers, healthy customers, whole community. For more information, contact liz@merckforest.org.