CSA Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Contact: Jordan McKay
Telephone: (905)985-7493
Cell Phone: (905)260-1856
Email: willowtreefarm@sympatico.ca
Website: www.willowtreefarm.ca
Willowtree Farm making a difference one CSA basket at a time
Port Perry, Ontario, April 2011: The 2010 summer farming season may be over but the work for Willowtree Farm in Port Perry isn’t. The farm is already planning ahead for the 2011 season and the second year of their Community Supported Agriculture program. Willowtree is encouraging residents to become a part of their program and purchase weekly baskets of fresh fruits and vegetables or natural beef straight from the farm. By taking part in the program Willowtree has plans to have residents see, taste and learn the true meaning of local food.
Jordan Mckay, of Willowtree Farms says that it is really important people learn about why local farms are offering this type of program. “Eating local is becoming more important all the time, people need to know where their food is coming from and where it is produced, he said. “So many people are unaware of what food is produced in their area. The CSA program really connects the farmer and consumer.”
McKay who is also a part of the Port Perry Farmer’s Market from June to October, says their program makes it more convenient for customers. “We understand some people can’t make it to the market every Saturday but we still want them to be able to experience fresh, seasonal food, which is where our program helps out,” he said. “Our program just adds to what the market is trying to do and give an alternative for those people that can’t make it.” Leading up to next season, Mckay says residents that join will get a chance to see how and where the food is grown and learn more about it. The farm will be offering farm tours, so members can see how and where their food is grown, as well as recipes and descriptions of the food that they receive in their weekly baskets.
Willowtree is unique in the way that they try to provide customers with not just taste but knowledge of local food. “You can walk into the grocery store anytime and purchase a banana or apple but a lot of people don’t know what is in season and what isn’t,” said McKay. “By purchasing our baskets customers aren’t only getting great tasting food, but food that is in season around us.” According to Mckay, people can learn a lot about their meat as well by making a visit to the farm. “We have signs, explaining that our meat comes straight from the animals on the farm, which are all natural fed with no antibiotic or growth hormones.” Whether residents are looking for the perfect seasonal vegetable or looking for just the right steak to grill, Willowtree is sure to have something to please the palette.