You probably know by now that Rock Steady is more that just a farm. But what exactly are we up to, how is that different from other farms, and where might you fit into this movement we are building?
Coming up with a short, compelling sound bite about our work has always been a challenge. Food, land, justice, queerness . . . it’s a complicated web of interconnected, systemic problems and solutions. Look, we made an infographic!
Rock Steady was created with a vision that as farmers, we can - and must - create a new paradigm in a very broken food system and escalating climate crisis.
This is what gets us up in the morning, despite the challenges.
And, as many of you know, we have gone through our fair share of challenges! The tornado, a 100-year drought our first season, last year’s flood, the stress of a start-up biz carrying large start up capital debt, and of course the inevitable everyday curveballs of farming.
And yet, we feel proud and grateful for our many successes in our first four seasons. To name a few:
#1: We made it this far!
So many small scale farms simply aren’t able to survive, given an incredibly low profit margin driven by government subsidies that have distorted the true cost of food. We’re up against a system that was built on free slave labor, and in many cases still is through globally broken prison and immigration systems. (← see what we mean about big, complicated concepts to squeeze into a tidy sound bites? There is a lot more to that story.) Additionally, increasingly people are spending less of a percentage of their income on food and more and more on other expenses. It is capitalism at its' best. It is the holiday season, the ongoing narrative is "buy more"! But not on food?
#2: We are feeding our community!
Our food access fund, along with our sliding scale pricing, ensures that our vegetables reach a diverse cross-section of our community, including, but not limited to those who can typically afford organic, local produce. Since we started, we have sent 6,200 boxes of fresh vegetables to individuals and families who would otherwise not have access to this quality food. That equates to over 31,000 meals!
#3: We are contributing to a global movement of queer farmers!
Rock Steady creates a rare workspace that affirms and supports all identities, particularly for LGBTQ farmers, many of whom come with harmful life and workplace experiences in their past. And, we regularly hear from folks all over the world who are inspired and comforted by our work in profound ways: representation matters.
As we head into our fifth season, more than ever, we need your support to take it to the next level and nurture this vision in a sustainable way.
We are at a pivotal moment, where it’s time to invest internally while continuing to expand our reach and impact. Our waiting list is growing each year for our low-income CSA, and just this week, the current administration approved regulations expected to cut three million from food assistance programs. Additionally, we are trying to purchase a new tractor and make some key changes to our production systems that will enable us to better meet that demand.
Get involved - join us!
If you believe in the work we’re doing, we’d love your support. Here’s a few key ways to jump in.
1. DONATE
If you are able, please consider us in your year-end giving. Your tax-deductible donations are critical to our ability to sustain and grow our impact. Click here to donate online or mail a check made out to our fiscal sponsor, The Watershed Center (memo “food access”) to Rock Steady Farm, 41 Kaye Rd, Millerton NY 12546.
2: BECOME A CSA MEMBER
Registration is open for our 2020 season! Learn more about our share options, sliding scale pricing and more right here.
3: TELL YOUR FRIENDS
Send them this link, tag us on insta (@rocksteadyfarm) - share why you believe in this work with your networks and communities. Know an individual, foundation or organization who might be interested in supporting our initiatives? Send us an email to make the connection.
