Organic Food in the Community

The meaning of food differs for each of us. Beyond being a source of nutrients that help the human body function, it may serve as a reminder of various memories and moments associated with it. For some, it may be a source of warmth or comfort, and for others, a way to spend time with family and friends. But food doesn't just have a meaning; it also has an impact. In our community, the Kennett Square Farmers Market benefits farmers, customers, the local economy, and many others. 

Swallow Hill Farm is one farm that sells at the market and is run by Elizabeth and Douglas Randolph. To them, organic food centers around health: healthy soil, healthy water, and healthy plants, which in turn help make sure that there are healthy animals and people. For many,  the primary concern is chemicals when finding out if something is organic or not. Organic farms omit the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, or genetically modified seeds, grow living soils with nutrient-rich microbes and invertebrates, and focus on making sure that water both above and underground is protected and conserved. 

While Swallow Hill Farm is not certified organically, they use organic methods. Such methods include minimizing soil disturbance by tilling with intention, growing cover crops in order to keep nutrients in the soil, and diversifying the landscape by growing a variety of crops, and rotating crops so that pesticide use is not required. Where the farm goes beyond what is required for organic certification is their focus on working with and protecting nature. For example, they dedicated five acres to planting trees in order to protect a headwater stream. In addition, they also planted a native meadow to provide habitat for pollinators and birds: an action which not only benefits nature, but also the crops. They also avoid using plastic mulches and instead use hay that they grow.  

Elizabeth shares, "We wanted to grow healthy food for the community that supports us and to do it in a way that respects the natural environment. As humans, we destroy a lot, and if we can provide food while protecting nature and animals, that will make farms better and healthier." This is why Elizabeth and Douglas chose the methods that they did for growing crops; it's all about collaborating with nature and taking care of it so that the community can be better taken care of. 

As Elizabeth describes, Swallow Hill Farm "grows from A to Z, asparagus to zucchini", which highlights the wide variety of crops that they sell. Though they primarily grow produce that their customers and themselves enjoy. Additionally, they also try to introduce new types and varieties. 

Ros Fenton is the Community Programs Manager for Kennett Collaborative, and for nearly ten years, she has been curating, coordinating, and organizing the KSQ Farmers Market. This means that she communicates with vendors, finds various products that align with the market while also trying to maintain variety, writes the newsletter so that customers know what to expect, and manages the social media. She also sets the requirements for selling, which is all about transparency; farmers must grow or make what they sell at the market, which helps to build a relationship of trust so that customers are aware of where they are getting their food from. 

None of the farms at the KSQ Farmers Market are certified organic. However, like Swallow Hill Farm, several of the produce farms use organic and regenerative methods that exceed what is necessary for certification, which include Swallow Hill Farm, Brewers Hideaway, and Full Table Farm. There are also a variety of local farms that specialize in dairy, meat, mushrooms, flowers, and more--all committed to sustainable growing practices. 

The KSQ Farmers Market is a place where growers, producers, and makers alike have a platform to sell their products directly, which helps to benefit them. As Ros mentions, "it is a place for people to come together and connect around shared values of enjoying good food and supporting those who are growing it with care for the community and the earth."