Eat Local and Organic This Thanksgiving

More consumers today are concerned with what they eat, where their food comes from, and the health and environmental implications of the foods they consume. A 2017 study by the Organic Trade Association found that in the U.S., organic food sales have doubled in the last ten years. Eating organic, locally grown food is becoming easier with the abundance of farmer’s markets and local farms in the MetroWest and Boston area.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, and the farmers at Natick Community Organic Farm are busy preparing to offer organic turkey, ham, an abundance of vegetables, eggs, honey, syrup, and more for people in the community to purchase. Founded in 1975, their mission is to teach people what food looks like before it gets processed, refined, or packaged. Visitors to the farm will see first hand what taking good care of the land and the animals looks like.

Back in June, 160 baby turkeys arrived at Natick Community Organic Farm. The farmers raise large domestic white turkeys who are fed organic grains from their day of hatching and are allowed to roam, graze, and romp on the Farm’s organic pastures. Assistant Farm Director, Audrey Fergason, manages raising the rafter of turkeys. She finds “turkeys are super curious and are attracted to shiny objects. They are also social and will flock together to fight off a predator.” It’s a treat to see them all run together towards the field for their morning feeding, and the farmers welcome the community to come visit the turkeys at the farm any day during daylight hours.
Purchasing one of the Thanksgiving turkeys is a wonderful holiday tradition and a way to support Natick Community Organic Farm. One satisfied patron last year wrote in to share with the farmers, “Bursting with complex delectable flavor, this is what turkey is meant to be. I wait for it all year long!” The birds, ranging in size from 16-35 pounds, sell for $5.00/pound, which is based on the cost of organic grain, plus a $12 slaught fee. A $30 advance deposit is required to hold your bird. Customers then become part of the farming community when they arrive to select their bird(s) on “Turkey Tuesday, ” November 20th. Turkey selection numbers are handed out in order starting at 8:00 AM, and people are invited to shop, mingle, and enjoy a local farm shopping experience.
Casey Townsend, Farm Director, said, “Fall is a great time to appreciate the roots and hardy greens that can tolerate the colder weather. Come to the farm stand to grab your rutabaga, potatoes, onions, sweet kale and greens to add a local flair to your meal.” In addition, organic meats (ham, pork, chicken, beef), eggs, syrup, honey and other home made farm treats will be for sale. Come learn what community farming is all about, right here in your backyard. For more information or to place a turkey deposit, visit natickfarm.org//products-services/#farmproducts.