As the leaves change and a slight chill fills the air, Newton Community Farm is kicking off its autumn season of events and festivities.
“We want to be a model for the best sustainable agriculture practices, and we think the best way to do that is for people to come and visit the farm,” Director Allyson MacKenna said.
Located adjacent to Nahanton Park, the 1.25-acre farm might seem small at first glance. Still, more than 50,000 lbs. of produce are grown there annually, much of which is distributed to Newton residents through their Community Supported Agriculture Program (CSA).
Newton Community Farm has a storied history, with the land having been tilled since at least the late 17th century. The city of Newton purchased the farm in 2005, and it has gone on to provide various classes, educational programs and community events in addition to the produce it provides.
All of this was accomplished with a handful of full-time staff and a volunteer core of more than 100 regular volunteers committed to helping their community.
The city and Newton Community Farm continue to share a symbiotic relationship, with $16,000 worth of produce to Newton Food Pantry and Freedge.
Organizers hope to continue to serve as an example of the benefits of community agriculture beyond just the produce it provides. They’ve partnered with various local businesses over the years, in addition to support from individual donors and the volunteers who help maintain the farm.
They also operate a seasonal farm stand three days a week located on the farm.
On Sunday, Oct. 6, the farm will be hosting its annual Fall Family Party in partnership with Wegmans from 9 a.m. to noon. Admission is free, and activities will include pumpkin decorating, scavenger hunts, seeding guessing games, and more.
The farm recently partnered with Wegmans Food Markets.
“We used to charge a nominal fee for our Fall Family Party, but thanks to Wegmans we’re now able to be inclusive towards the entire community,” MacKenna said.
Newton Community Farm will also have a booth at Newton’s annual GreenEXPO, part of the City Of Newton’s Harvest Fair, on October 20th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
MacKenna hinted at future events currently being planned in time to celebrate the farm’s 20th season in operation next spring.
If you’d like to become involved or learn more about Newton Community Farm, visit their website.