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Positive Updates from Village Farmstand and Kakadoodle Farm
The overwhelming number of articles on the Local Food Forum website carry positive news. But not always. Since our launch almost four years ago, we've stepped up to share the stories of community members who have suffered critical losses due to circumstances beyond their control.
But... I'm pleased to say that each of these challenges has had a happy ending because of the unfailing generosity of people for whom a healthy and resilient local food system is a priority.
Today brought an email from the folks at Village Farmstand, the e-commerce local food aggregator that had to shut its brick-and-mortar pick-up outlet in the Chicago suburb of Evanston virtually overnight last week because the building in which they lease requires emergency repairs.
Rachael Smedberg — who with husband Jesse Smedberg owns the company and Tulip Tree Gardens regenerative farm in Beecher, Illinois — reported that Village Farmstand has been able to move its inventory thanks to the collaboration of several community partners. Here's what she said:
We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support over the past week. Village Farmstand is a special place with a community that cares deeply for the well-being of the earth and all its inhabitants.
Jesse and I are truly humbled. So many of you have reached out, emailed, and asked how to help. We are still working on a timeline with the landlord and will, unfortunately, remain temporarily closed for the time being. While we wish we had more concrete answers for you right now, we do know that we will return stronger than ever.
We've been having some really creative conversation with various organizations to help us bridge the gap. We have many irons in the fire and are exploring all options to better serve the Evanston community.
We extend our heartfelt thanks to Midwest Foods, Top Box Foods, Elawa Farm Foundation, and All Grass Farms for their support in helping us sell through our current inventory.
As we look ahead to the springtime season, a time of restoration and renewal, we reflect on the past seven years of growing our farm and business. We've learned to pivot and overcome challenges along the way. Resilience is a common theme not just among us and our team, but among farmers everywhere. We all adapt and think quickly, understanding that some seasons are dormant, yet we always anticipate the beauty and renewal that spring brings.
Thank you for your continued support and patience as we navigate these changes. Our future is bright!
Rachael Smedberg
The couple has posted a fundraiser on their site to raise bridge money until the store is able to reopen. Click below if you'd like to donate.
We also have some good news about Kakadoodle, a small farm in Matteson, Illinois that lost its chicken flock to avian flu. They reluctantly posted a GoFundMe campaign, starting with a goal of $7,500.
The campaign has exceeded $45,000, providing not only bridge income for owners Marty and MariKate Thomas, but seed money for the infrastructure improvements aimed at keeping their next flock more secure from disease and predators.
We look forward to celebrating the second life of Kakadoodle Farm. Read our original article about their avian flu crisis.
To Farmers Facing Hardships from Abrupt Federal Policy and Spending Shifts
If you're reading Local Food Forum, you've undoubtedly heard or read about farmers who are facing critical financial challenges because of a freeze placed by the new federal administration on reimbursements for infrastructure and climate-smart improvements that they contracted to undertake.
If you are or know one of these farmers, please share their stories (and fundraising campaigns, if relevant) with us and we will publish them. Whether you are a sustainable or a conventional farmer, if you contracted to make those improvements, you were doing a good thing, and there is no way on this earth that you should be penalized for it.
You may be feeling betrayed by the public officials responsible for your situation, but know that we and your peers in the local food community are on your side.
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