The Farm School in Athol, MA hosted a brunch this past Sunday for members of The Boston Brunchers. There is no membership fee, or even special requirement to become a Boston Bruncher although you must appreciate brunch in some way and also be a blogger.
This was my first outing with The Boston Brunchers and I was thrilled that it was with The Farm School because I really appreciate what The Farm School is all about. I have seen the glow of children and teachers (peeking through their dirt covered bodies) as they return from a trip to Farm School. I see that look of longing that parents have as they send their children off then welcome them back and try to get just a piece of the experience to rub off on them as they sling their children’s overnight bags dusted with dirt from the farm over their shoulder. I see the sign at Iggy’s Bread during the growing season for The Farm School’s Community Supported Agriculture membership (CSA) pick up and marvel at their gorgeous farmer’s market stand as I supplement my own CSA share with some favorite Farm School treats.
This brunch, just happened to be in my neighborhood at a Farm School CSA member’s house, so on this gorgeous Spring day, I grabbed my camera, and skipped out the door to find out more about The Boston Brunchers and The Farm School.
- The Farm School CSA is an extension of the Farm School experience. Boston Brunchers met in Cambridge, where The Farm School has a pick up, to enjoy brunch together and learn more about the CSA.
The Boston Brunchers were asked to read up a little bit about The Farm School on their website and consider supporting The Farm School by making a donation to the school. The Farm School provided brunch to the bloggers and gave us an opportunity to taste the fruits (and vegetables, and eggs, and porcine wonders) of the labour. While we enjoyed brunch, we were also give the opportunity to learn a bit more about The Farm School Programs and CSA.
The Farm School has programs for both children and adults. Both private and public schools are invited to work on the farm through their visiting schools program. For those of us who are not lucky enough to be a visiting student or teacher, we can enjoy the Farm School goodies on the menus at local restaurants, by shopping at the Belmont Farmer’s Market or by joining The Farm School CSA.
I’ve written a lot about local CSAs because I think they are wonderful membership programs that benefit everyone involved. There are different models of CSAs and I truly believe that no matter where you live in the area, or what you like to cook, how much you have to spend, or who you are feeding, there is a CSA for you.
The Farm School’s CSA has a pick up in three locations. The first is a pre-boxed share that can be picked up at AthenaHealth in Watertown on Thursdays. The second is a CSA “farm stand” pick up, where members choose items in a way similar to shopping at the farmer’s market at Iggy’s Bread in Cambridge on Tuesdays. Lastly, you can pick up on Thursdays at the farm. The Farm School’s 2012 CSA share costs $625 for a 21 week season that starts in June and continues through October. A weekly share is a selection of 9 to 12 seasonal veggies from 12 to 15 different options.
- Read more about the CSA and how it works at farmschool.org
Although most of the treats we enjoyed today are not going to be part of your CSA choices (unless you choose a Meat CSA), this Sunday’s brunch gave me an opportunity to get to know the people behind the farm, the programs and in the kitchen at The Farm School. (Warning: This brunch has tempted me to consider signing up for the one year Learn to Farm program but somehow I don’t think my children and husband could be convinced. Hmmm… maybe if I had brought them back a dozen eggs and a side of that maple mead glazed bacon I could have pulled it off.
As for the brunchers, we were a group of about 9 bloggers and 2 CSA members (and their family membesr) with different backgrounds and interests. The gathering of folks who might otherwise never sit at a table together because of our different ages, backgrounds, and vocations was a chance to learn from one another, talk about favorite local restaurants, new ventures and more. For the hosts and their family I’m sure dining with a bunch of bloggers (and our cameras) was an experience of its own.
