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    When Politics Come Before People

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    ​This is what happens when politics are placed over people.
    ​
    With the government shut down and SNAP benefits hanging in the balance, families across our region are left wondering how they will afford their next meal. Today, one hour before opening, a line of cars stretched outside the Northampton Survival Center, waiting for food, support, and a sense of stability during an already difficult season.
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    Photo Liz Denny

    ​Scenes like this are not abstract headlines. They are our neighbors, our community members, and families who work hard yet cannot bridge the widening gap between need and access. This is why local food drives and community donations matter more than ever.

    As we enter the holiday season, there are real and meaningful ways to help:

    1. Donate to the Bardwell Farm Food & Things Drive
    • We are collecting food, toiletries, baby essentials, household goods, and small clothing items through the New Year.
    • All contributions can be left on the back side of the farmstand.

    2. Purchase a Thanksgiving Vegetable Box for a Family in Need
    • Buying one—or several—directly supports a household facing food insecurity this season.

    3. Buy a Bardwell Farm 2026 Calendar: Year of the Banana
    • Every dollar of profit goes directly to local food pantries.

    4. Contribute to Carrots 2 Carrots
    • All funds raised go straight to food pantries in our area, ensuring they stay stocked during their busiest and most crucial months.
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    ​Photo Rick Labrecque

    When government systems fail, communities step up.

    Together, we can bring hope, dignity, and nourishment to those struggling to make ends meet. Every donation - no matter the size - moves us closer to a community where no one is left without the food they need.
  • Published on

    Kindness still grows here

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    A Heartfelt Moment at the Farmstand
    Every so often, something happens that reminds us exactly why we do what we do - and why community matters more than ever.

    This week, during our Food & Things Drive, an anonymous customer quietly dropped off $300 worth of groceries at the farmstand. No spotlight, no need for recognition - just a genuine act of generosity to help local families during a challenging time.
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    In a world where it can sometimes feel like everyone is rushing, competing, or thinking only of themselves, moments like this stop us in our tracks. They remind us that there are still good people - thoughtful, giving, community-minded people, who lead with heart and kindness.

    To that anonymous donor, thank you.

    To every single person who has given canned goods, toiletries, baby supplies, warm clothing, or pet food, thank you.

    To those who have contributed in any way big or small - you’re proof that caring for each other is still alive and well.

    Because of you, families in our community will have meals on the table, warmth in their homes, and a little peace of mind going into the holidays.

    Want to get involved? Here’s how you can help:

    Food & Things Drive (through Dec 30th)
    Drop shelf-stable foods, toiletries, winter essentials, baby needs, and pet supplies at the back of the farmstand.

    Thanksgiving Box Program
    Purchase a box for yourself or donate one to a local family.

    Bardwell Farm 2026 Calendar (coming soon)
    Liz’s illustrated calendar - all proceeds go directly to supporting local food needs.

    Donate to Carrots 2 Carrots
    Every dollar buys local vegetables that go straight to area food pantries - nourishing families and supporting local farms.

    Together, we can grow more than food - we can grow hope.

    Thank you to everyone who has already contributed, and to those thinking about pitching in. Every donation, every can of soup, every bag of rice, every act of kindness adds up.

    Community isn’t just a word - it’s all of us, looking out for each other.
  • Published on

    Feeding the Community in Uncertain Times

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    Why Farms & Food Pantries Matter More Than Ever
    As our country grapples with a prolonged federal government shutdown, the ripple effects are being felt deeply in our food system. More than 42 million Americans rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put meals on the table and as of November 1st, many of those benefits have been delayed or halted entirely. 

    This means families are facing a double challenge: rising costs at the grocery store, and less federal support than ever before. Food pantries and local farms are being asked to fill the gap. But even they say they cannot fully replace the scale of federal programs like SNAP.

    Here at  Bardwell Farm , our mission has always been simple: grow good food for our neighbors, keep it local, and keep it affordable. Now, in light of this crisis, that mission is more critical than ever.
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    How You Can Help
    We’re running our Food & Things Drive now through December 30th, in partnership with our charity, Carrots 2 Carrots. All donations go toward purchasing local vegetables grown right here or nearby and distributing them to local food pantries and survival centers.

    Items needed include:
    • Shelf-stable foods: soups, canned vegetables/fruit, beans, tuna, canned meats
    • Dry goods: rice, pasta, oatmeal, whole-grain cereal
    • Proteins: peanut butter, canned chicken/fish, dried beans & lentils
    • Snacks: granola bars, trail mix, nuts, dried fruit, crackers, fruit cups
    • Cooking basics: pasta sauce, cooking oils, seasonings
    • Beverages: juice boxes, coffee, tea, powdered milk
    • Non-food essentials: deodorant, razors, shampoo/conditioner, tampons/pads, warm socks, hats, gloves, scarves
    • Baby items & pet supplies: baby food, formula, diapers, pet food & supplies

    Drop-off location: backside of the farmstand at Bardwell Farm.

    Why This Matters
    When SNAP benefits are interrupted as they are now local farms and food pantries become a lifeline. Not only does this support families in need, but it also supports our local agricultural economy. Every dollar donated helps buy fresh, regionally-grown produce that fuels both healthy people and a healthy economy.

    By contributing to this drive whether you donate goods, purchase a Bardwell Farm calendar (announcing soon!), donate a Thanksgiving Vegetable Box, or give directly to Carrots 2 Carrots, you’re choosing to stand with your neighbors. You’re choosing to keep the food local. You’re choosing to ensure that this holiday season someone in our community doesn’t face hunger.

    Thank You
    From all of us at Bardwell Farm and Carrots 2 Carrots, thank you for your generosity, your community spirit, and your commitment to making a difference.

    Together, we can grow hope 💚