Local food initiatives have always been about more than just growing healthy food. “There are very few things that people connect with more than food,” says Peter Novajosky, Farm Manager at Stamford’s Fairgate Farm. “Food culture, the memories and emotional attachments to foods, the seasonality of waiting for summer tomatoes or the first asparagus to come out of the ground in spring, and the flavor and satisfaction that can’t be matched by anything you can buy at a grocery store… these are life-changing things when you learn to appreciate them.”
Fairgate Farm is a nonprofit with a mission to increase access to delicious, nutritious, local food for the Stamford community. They offer volunteer and educational opportunities for individuals, schools, and other organizations.
“Supporting local food initiatives builds community, increases food security for yourself and your neighbors, and strengthens your local economy,” says Novajosky.
Spread the word, start your own garden, or volunteer at a local farm,” suggests Novajosky. “Food needs to be grown, but it also needs to be prepared, cooked, distributed, rescued, donated, composted, etc. There are so many ways to take part in your local food system.”
“There are very few things that people connect with more than food.”
