During my visit to Soil Born Farm, I got to experience a small look into what urban farming is all about. I was able to plant different lettuce blends and better understand how these vegetables grow. To my surprise, a lot more work goes into growing lettuce than I imagined. Putting lettuce in the ground is one thing, however, making sure they flourish is another.
The Co-op has been building strong relationships with local farmers and ranchers for over 45 years, so of course we love Farm to Fork month! We feel the solidarity when the rest of Sacramento joins us to celebrate the folks who work so hard to steward the land and nourish us.
So if you’d like to dig in and learn more about our local farmers and ranchers and other programs that support our local farmers, we’ve rounded up a list of podcast episodes featuring these fine folks.
September is Farm to Fork month and we’re kicking it off by featuring our Round Up at the Register recipient, Soil Born Farms! We feel such a sense of pride in our strong relationship because we have supported them in their growth since the beginning. Farmers Shawn Harrison and Marco Franciosa began their small for-profit urban farm on Hurley Way in 2000. In 2002, Co-op’s Marketing Manager at the time, Janet Whalen Zeller joined their team as a co-director to support their shared vision. In 2004, the three founders transformed the farm into a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.
There is a misconception that chickens labeled as “free range” and “cage-free” and even “organic” have been raised outdoors. Unfortunately, that is not the case and poultry production has a long way to go to reach the idyllic conditions most folks envision with those labels. In 2019, 99% of U.S. farm animals were raised on a factory farm.
And as our country’s cultural values continue to shift to speed, convenience and low-cost food options, Pasturebird was developed to show that there is a better way. Pasturebird’s vision is to reinvent agriculture and to lead the way to a future where factory farms don’t exist.
Hello, my name is Eileen, I moved to Sacramento in April 1990. The first and most important need upon arriving in a new city was obtaining organic food. Landing in the suburbs I realized that organic food was many miles away, Downtown. Also on my list of needs were a job and a place to live. So, I headed Downtown.
The Sacramento Natural Foods Co-op had just moved in Sept. 1989 from Freeport Blvd. to S Street and Alhambra Blvd. The “New Store” was big and bright, full of creative staff and members. Enthusiasm and commitment to success were evident in one’s shopping experience.
At the Co-op, we pride ourselves on sourcing the highest quality groceries available. Alexandre Family Farm is dedicated to producing nourishing eggs and dairy while also stewarding the land they occupy. The farm is certified organic, regenerative and humane. Anyone who is familiar with how to produce the best quality eggs and dairy knows that the care of the soil is always the farmer’s focus. Animals need rich soil, with diverse grasses and microorganisms for a quality diet. Located in Crescent City, just south of Humboldt, CA, 4th generation farmers Blake and Stephanie Alexandre care for year-round green grasses which are a product of well-nurtured soil.