Foodshed Alliance in Blairstown New Joisey

[Guest guest]

BLAIRSTOWN -- When it comes to promoting the benefits of locally grown food, the non-profit Foodshed Alliance aims for a reach with no bounds.

Whether it's starting a local farmers' market, bringing locally grown foods into area schools and restaurants, organizing public visits to farms, or educating residents on the economic and health benefits of locally-grown food and farming, the Blairstown-based Foodshed Alliance looks to cover all bases.

In an effort to continue building upon the alliance's reach, the grassroots organization has launched a donor appeal to the community, said Kendrya Close, who co-directs the alliance with Jen Reich.

Close said the alliance, which has relied on grant money to support its operation, is concerned grant funding could dry up given the struggling national economy. The alliance is asking area businesses, organizations and residents to contribute to the alliance."There are grants out there, but with the economy the way it is right now, endowments are not as free with grants," Close noted. "Everything is very up in the air."

While the status of future grant funding remains up in the air, the Foodshed Alliance is currently moving full steam ahead on several projects and programs. One of its key programs is the weekly farmers' market, which will be returning for its second year this summer at the Givens Belet VFW post on Route 521. The market will be held 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each Saturday from July 11 through October.The market is truly local; "Everything there comes from within 25 miles of Blairstown," Close noted. The market will feature a wide variety of foods, including meats, vegetables, fruits, cheeses and more. New this year will be baked goods. Also featured will be wide variety of non-food items, such as stained glass and soaps, produced by local artisans and others.In the schools, Close said the alliance is working to increase the amount of locally produced food provided to students, as well as coordinating educational programs with PTAs and other groups on the benefits of locally grown food.Another way the alliance is promoting local agriculture is through the Garden State Raw Milk Program, an effort to legalize raw milk sales in New Jersey. Close said local agriculture stands to become more profitable if proposed state legislation legalizing the production of raw milk is approved. In addition to the financial aspects, Close said many consumers prefer raw milk. "One school of thought is raw milk is much healthier," she stated.On Sept. 12, the alliance will holds its fourth annual Farm and Food Open House fundraiser. The day will include a tour of local farms and conclude with a dinner at son Farms in Mansfield Township featuring locally grown foods prepared by the area's top chefs.On the electronic front, the alliance is rebuilding its web site and developing an online newsletter. Close envisions the updated web site/newsletter as a key way to better connect local farmers with residents and food-related businesses such as restaurants.The alliance, which was formed under the umbrella of Genesis Farm, is seeking a distinct non-profit status, which Close said would help in pursuing various funding sources

Close first became familiar with Foodshed Alliance after becoming a member of Howling Wolf Farm in Hope, an active participating farm in the alliance that provides meat, vegetables, fruit and other foods directly to the public. Close said she quickly became impressed with how the alliance worked with farmers, community members, and agricultural leaders to promote a sustainable local food system. "By supporting local food, you're supporting the local economy," said Close, who also noted buying direct from local farmers also reduces the carbon footprint by eliminating the need for shipping.For more information about Foodshed Alliance, visit www.FoodshedAlliance.org or call

by Lechiski/Warren Reporter

Friday April 03, 2009, 2:20 PM