The goal of the program is to create a network of local farms supplying fresh produce to nearby pantries through the help of volunteers.
local food
Zucchinis growing at Z Farms
New Farm-To-Food-Pantry Program Created by Scarsdale Teen
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new farm-to-foodto connect many potential pantry program, partners. based at the Pawling “A successful farm-toResource Center, kicked off food-pantry program would last month. The goal of the help to establish partnerships program is to create a network between local family farms of local farms supplying fresh and small food pantries, produce to nearby pantries which would be trementhrough the help of volundously helpful to both parties,” teers. Z Farms, Harlem Valley Zlotnikov says. “Food pantries Homestead, Dykeman Farm can recruit and organize their Nicole Zlotnikov and the Community Action volunteers to help farmers Partnership, in Dover Plains, harvest the crops, glean the were among the first wave of farms and fields after the harvest, cull the recovery food pantries to sign on. bins, glean the farmers markets and deliver Nicole Zlotnikov, a high school the sourced fresh, local products to their sophomore in Scarsdale, created the prodistribution locations.” gram as part of her Gold Award Girl Scout Small family farms can proactively Project. Now, as its volunteer coordinator, “grow a row” specifically allocated for Zlotnikov enlists the help of individuals donation, relying on the help of volunteers to work on local farms, visit area farmers during harvest and transportation, Zlotmarkets and make deliveries in order to nikov says. They can also invite volunteers get healthy food to their neighbors in need. to glean the fields, cull the bins and glean She says she hopes the program will grow farmers markets.
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“This partnership will strengthen communities, make them more resilient and allow them to cultivate a local, highquality food supply chain,” she says. The project grew out of Zlotnikov’s belief that good nutrition is critical to everyone’s health, and her advocacy for local, organic agriculture that restores ecology and is environmentally friendly. “I believe that underserved people have the right to have access to fresh, healthy seasonal produce that will help their physical and mental well-being,” she says. “I love gardening and farming, and I go to local nonprofit farms each year during my free time to help them grow and harvest their crops. I have my own small garden at home where I grow fresh herbs and tomatoes each season. In winter I take care of my plants in the small greenhouse at our porch.” Three years ago, Zlotnikov volunteered to help a local farmer display and sell products at area farmers markets. Last year, as a part of her Silver Award project, she helped establish a nutritional education program, with classes, presentations and cooking workshops, at a local organic farm. “I felt an immense sense of accomplishment and joy when I witnessed how much attendees were interested and excited to learn the healthy cooking methods that I was teaching them,” she says. “Farming and gardening activity gives me a feeling of connection to the land and to its beauty and bounty. It also gives me hope and a sense of optimism about the future of the planet.” To volunteer or to learn more, call 917.633.7811, email farmtopantry12@gmail. com or visit FarmToFoodPantry.com/join.
