Local Flooding Response
Recent record rainfall and local flooding have affected many farms in our area. Thankfully, folks have mobilized quickly to get resources in place for farms and farmers.
People have reached out to us anxious to learn how the flooding will impact clients of the Northampton Survival Center. Thankfully, our clients will still have access to fresh produce as part of their regular grocery distributions from the Center. We purchase most of our produce from Marty’s Local, a distributor committed to supporting the regional food system through their strong partnerships with nearly 100 local farmers and food producers. We also source a lot of fruits and vegetables from the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, and farmers and home gardeners bring us extra vegetables and herbs to share with clients. So while there may not be as many donations of bumper crops this year, our clients don’t have to worry about getting food. We will always have fresh vegetables and fruit to distribute to Survival Center clients, even if we have to source them from a little farther away.
How to help
If you’d like to support local farmers, we encourage you to contribute directly to the local funds and fundraisers that have been set up.
The Massachusetts Farm Resiliency Fund brings together state and government officials, philanthropic partners, and private foundations, who have joined together to raise funds to aid farmers affected by severe weather.
CISA’s Emergency Farm Fund provides no-interest loans to farms in the wake of extreme weather events. The fund is currently accepting applications for loans up to $25,000 for farms impacted by the July flooding and rain or the damaging freezes earlier this year.
Many farms throughout the region that have suffered serious losses have set up their own fundraisers. Here are some local farms that are hosting fundraisers:
- Community Care Apothecary, Florence
- Mountain View Farm, Easthampton
- Pepin Farm, Easthampton
- Song Sparrow Farm, Florence
- Stone Soup Farm, Hadley