Green Thumb Organic Farm Delivers to Huntington. Sign Up Now!

“Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bonds.” (Thomas Jefferson, 1785)

It's Time: Locally Grown, Organic Produce

One of the best things our family ever did to teach us to love a variety of healthy foods, support our local economy and natural environment, and to help keep us all free of pesticides, has been to participate in Community Supported Agriculture. 

Green Thumb CSA, based in Water Mill, is starting up delivery again to Huntington. New members are still welcome! This Long Island organic family farm dates back to the 17th century and now encompasses over 130 acres. They grow vegetables, flowers, fruits and herbs, starting in December. Now that it’s June, they are ready to start sending their delicious goods to table! 

The 28 week program stretches from the first Thursday of June until the second Thursday of December. Members of the Cinema Arts Centre get a discount. It’s best to order ASAP, but they have in the past taken on new shareholders throughout the season! 

As their brochure says “Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) brings together community members (shareholders), farmers & agricultural land in a relationship of mutual support based on an annual commitment to one another, a commitment that insures the survival of local agriculture today & for future generations. Basically, you purchase a share in the harvest, receive the highest quality food at the lowest possible price & support local farms.”

It’s an ample supply of high quality produce at a reasonable price. Sometimes, folks split shares. Hard core vegetarians may purchase more than one. The selection of produce changes from week to week. Pickups occur every Thursday from 2:30pm – 7:30pm. When you show up to claim your portion, a chart on the wall will communicate that week’s items. Folks bring their own bags to help keep down both prices and waste. All unclaimed food will be donated to local food pantries. As your investment supports the farm, no refunds are given to those who miss the pickup.

Sign Up Today!

The brochure for the Huntington program is below. They will be at the Cinema Arts Centre Sunday, 5/31 from 3:30-7:30 signing folks up. This is a great way to check out a local treasure, sign up for fresh veggies and ask any questions you might have! 
 
To Register and Get More Information about a Huntington pickup: Email gtCSAhuntington@gmail.com or call 631-421-4864
 
For Information about the Farm and Pickups Further East: Check out www.greenthumborganicfarm.com
 

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J-STEP Hopes Folks Will Help Build a Kitchen

J-STEP Interns welcome you!

Pal-O-Mine Equestrian is hoping folks will help build an accessible kitchen for its J-STEP (Job Security Through Equine Partnership) Vocational Internship program.

The Program

We’ve written about Pal-O-Mine before. Having served Long Island since 1995, some say their job is working miracles. Really, though, with the support of generous friends and foundation grants, what Pal-O-Mine does is provide a comprehensive therapeutic equine program, using horses to facilitate growth, learning and healing among children and adults with disabilities, survivors of trauma and abuse, the military and the impoverished.

Their J-STEP program goes further, serving young adults with disabilities by teaching job-readiness skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and entrepreneurship, as well as independent living skills including organization, hygiene, finance, and nutrition.  J-STEP Interns plant and maintain their own flower and vegetable gardens, create and sell their own self-care line as well as run a successful CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program. They also create and sell artisan crafts.

Why a Kitchen?

Gardening and farming directly relate to cooking as they provide the ingredients. Gardening, on a smaller scale, and farming, on a larger scale, involve growing plants, including vegetables, fruits, and herbs, which are then used in cooking to create meals. This connection extends beyond providing ingredients, fostering a deeper understanding of where food comes from and promoting healthier eating habits.

One essential independent living skill is the ability to cook and make nutritious meals. Being able to cook can generally improve overall health. It brings people together, relieves stress, can help people to save money, and is a source of great joy and personal confidence. Furthermore, learning to cook develops other key skills, such as time management, following instructions, and kitchen safety.

What Will it Take?

Pal-O-Mine spans across 13 acres. J-STEP is located on one of these acres. It includes a roadside farm stand, an accessible, temperature-controlled greenhouse, and their own small house where J-STEP interns do most of their work.  The house consists of a bathroom and 3 small work areas that are separated by half-walls. In consultation with a building contractor, they estimate it will cost $250,000 to add a room with plumbing, electricity, and the latest kitchen equipment.

They ask for your help by funding this project so they they can help their interns live happy and healthy lives. They also hope you’ll check out the events below, and come see what the whole farm is about! 

You may also simply donate.

Thank you for your kind consideration

Upcoming Events at Pal-O-Mine Equestrian: 9/7, 11am-3pm, Open House, Open to the public. 9/20, 5pm, 30th Anniversary Celebration 10/19, Vet Fest and NYPD Fundraiser 12/5-7, Winter Wonderland. Events will be held at the farm, 819 Old Nichols Rd, Islandia. Visit their website for details.