The virus is moving quickly, the landscape changes day to day - but also moving fast are folks ready to pitch in and help. MCA staff has been talking to local civic and farmer organizations, food relief organizations and consumers throughout the county. Below is an evolving list of resources for those who produce and consume food in MoCo and beyond. As a farmer from Moon Flower Farm in Frederick Co. put it on a call- #LocalistheNewNormal. If you were waiting on a time to turn to your local farmer, that time is now. An item to add? - Kristina@mocoalliance.org
Update: MCA is launching Labor Link Montgomery to connect farmers and folks who are out of work. If you are a farmer needing help get in touch at info@mocoalliance.org
For Consumers
- Future Harvest, the Maryland Farmers Market Assoc. and others have created a map to help folks find local farms. Be sure to call first.
- Wondering how to begin approaching farms - local College Prof Christina Rai has you covered with this post.
- What is available on local farms this time of year? Strawberries are around the corner but roots and greens are the bulk of offerings in early spring.
- Each year Community Supported Ag (CSA) shares are an opportunity to support your farmer and get local food each week. CSAs are about to open and you can support your farmer now. Farms are thinking about ways to have drive-thru pickups, delivery and other methods to limit the spread of germs. You can find CSAs to join here - check in with them about what they are offering this year as things are rapidly changing.
- The Food Council has gathered small local food businesses that offer pickup and delivery.
- Food is actually not a big source of virus spread but we still need to be careful. Here are the FAQs on food safety for consumers.
The Food Council Website has a good round up of food resources for students, seniors and others.
For Farmers and Food Producers
- The USDA has a dedicated site for Coronavirus questions and financial resources for farmers. Similarly, Farm Aid has gathered resources as well.
- Farmers have always been essential businesses but with the stay-at-home order farm workers may need to show permits to travel to work. Thanks to the MD Farm Bureau and Future Harvest for providing these templates that can be customized for your farm. Download: Farm Contractor and Farm Worker .doc files here.
- MCA has undertaken a survey of local farms to see what we can do to help farms and how farms can help residents - particularly low income and hungry folks. Farmers should take the survey here, unless you share your info results are anonymous. A summary of responses so far.
- UMD Extension Plant Science Food Safety expert Carol Allen has started a newsletter for MD farmers, really great safety info, be sure to subscribe at the bottom. The most recent issue is about managing farmworkers in the time of COVID19. If you need to reach Carol with direct questions - callen12@umd.edu
- Safety procedures for small scale producers from the MD Market Assoc. and Future Harvest.
- On the topic of safety- reusable packaging has always been the goal of on-farm sales and farmers markets but with the outbreak disposable packaging is necessary. Michael Protas of One Acre farm in Dickerson has stepped up to coordinate an order of biodegradable bags for local farmers. Learn more here.
- The Maryland Horse Council has resources for horse farms.
- American Farmland Trust is opening a Farmer Relief Fund program- learn more here.
- The USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA) is relaxing the loan making process to help farmers in need.
- Confusion remains over SBA Assistance for Farmers
For Potential Volunteers: For those who are healthy and interested in volunteering, please find information below on opportunities with some of our partner organizations.
- Montgomery County Volunteer Center
- Capital Area Food Bank
- Manna Food Center
- KIND: Kids in Need Distributors
- Community Food Rescue
- #GiveaMeal to a friend, neighbor, or stranger in need through Geppetto Catering.
- Montgomery County Volunteer Center: Guidance for Non-Clinical Volunteers
