Local Agriculture Group Offers Vegetables, Fruit and More

This year marks the seventh season of the local Community Supported Agriculture group formerly called the Millburn-Short Hills CSA. 

The group has changed its name to the Farm & Fork Society to build a sense of community dedicated to supporting local farmers as well as sharing a passion for good, fresh food.  

Serving residents of Millburn-Short Hills, Maplewood, South Orange, Summit, Livingston and other surrounding neighborhoods, the Farm & Fork Society has expanded its offerings to include vegetables, fruit, poultry, pies, pasta and cider. The seasonal produce comes directly from the farmer and pick-up is every Friday from June 13 through November 21 in downtown Millburn.

Short Hills resident Melissa Goldberg, who has been running the CSA for the past 6 years, has partnered with Wendy Mueller of South Orange. Mueller, the mother of two young children, is a Graduate in Culinary Arts from California Culinary Academy/Le Cordon Bleu in San Francisco, CA and former Kitchen Manager & Private Class Instructor at Ramekins Culinary School & Inn in Sonoma, CA. 

“Wendy’s expertise and passion for the farm-to-table movement and her support of sustainable local farms is invaluable to the Farm & Fork Society," said Melissa Goldberg. "Her enthusiasm and desire to provide our community and local families with the freshest & healthiest food possible will help us grow and serve the area.”

A CSA is a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm and in return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season. Members also share in the risks of farming. A CSA is invaluable to the farmer, providing him or her with the pre-production working capital necessary for a successful growing season.

Members of the Farm & Fork Society will be once again be supporting Starbrite Farm in Andover; Breezy Hill Orchard in Staatsburg, NY; and Knoll Krest Farm in Clinton Corners, NY. 

Members can purchase vegetable, fruit shares and poultry shares and add on egg, pasta cider and pies shares - each is priced differently. The deadline for a membership is April 15, 2014. There will be opportunities throughout the season for members to purchase organic maple syrup and honey, and other supplemental shares. 

The Farm & Fork Society has a long-term focus and commitment to bringing the best locally grown, sustainable, fruits and vegetables to the families who have become members. For more information or to sign up, visit http://www.farmandforksociety.com.