Beloved community,
There is so much uncertainty and concern right now around COVID-19, we hear it and we feel it, and here is what we know:
Everyone has a role in a global crisis. We are committed to ours, as your farmers.
We will have our hands in the soil. (We’ll wash them often!)
We will continue to sow seeds in our greenhouse, and soon in our fields.
We will grow nourishing, sustainable food with care for our land.
We will safely transport that food directly to our CSA members, friends and neighbors - and be ready to innovate and pivot creatively as needed.
We will lean into our community and ask for the support we need to fulfill these commitments.
We will take care of each other.
Rock Steady is a team of eight this year, and we are committed to providing jobs to all our incredible farmers starting April 2nd! They are our farm family, and we are doing everything in our power to support each other.
Right now, we are seeking and listening to guidance on how to be proactive and resilient as this unfolds — from other small businesses, co-op support services, farmers, and financial experts. We know there will be a lot of people in our community who are going to struggle financially because of the economic impact of COVID-19 (and as a small-scale farm, we expect challenges, too).
Let’s remember that it is often the most disadvantaged people who are hit hardest. Let us each do what we can to take care of each other.
Here’s some good news:
The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) model, along with our sliding scale and food access initiatives, feel especially relevant and encouraging in this collective moment.
This is mutual aid and food security in action.
As a member, you get to know where your food is coming from, who is growing it, and exactly how it is getting from the field to your plate. As your farmers, your membership allows us to buy supplies, pay our crew and continue operating with confidence.
For those of you who are able, signing up on the higher end of our sliding scale and/or donating to our Food Access Fund, means you are putting healthy food into the kitchens of those in your community who would not otherwise be able to access it.
For those of you who are struggling, remember we offer flexible payment plans, EBT/SNAP, and free solidarity shares.
Here are quick links:
We belong to each other. Let us all take a deep breath and look to the plants around us. This is a time of collaboration.
We hope our food will provide better health to those who are already at risk, and may get sick. We hope that our food will provide joy and connection to nature that we all so desperately need.
Finally, if you have questions - we’re just an email away. Let us know how we can support you.
With love and solidarity,
Maggie, D. & the Rock Steady team
