Green Beans are in Season
With all the scares going around about fresh produce and its’ sources, it is more important than ever to know where your food comes from and how to safely preserve it for your family. We have plenty of green beans in our garden, but if you don’t, the local farmer’s markets and farmstands are sure […]
It’s Zucchini Season
We have such a short growing season in central New York; we really need to make the best of it and put away as many things as we can for the long winter ahead. It is so nice to have food you have grown and preserved –it gives such a feeling of accomplishment. Our zucchini […]
Scaling Food Systems for Access and Sustainability
When we think about food access, it’s often in pieces—emergency food programs on one side, school lunch initiatives on another, and local farmers markets somewhere else. But what happens when we begin to envision our food system in more interconnected ways? At Cornell Cooperative Extension, we’re seeing a shift in how communities are beginning to […]
The Will to Grow: Seed to Supper Interview
Seed to Supper Interview with Erin Grygiel by Alexandra Tamburro. I had the pleasure of speaking with Erin Grygiel, owner of Pine Hills Farmstead, about Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) Herkimer County’s Seed to Supper program. Seed to Supper is a comprehensive beginner vegetable gardening curriculum designed for adults gardening on a budget. Classes are free […]
From Fay’s to Food
When I was a child, my grandparents had a shop called Gil’s in the Ilion Fay’s Mall. I absolutely loved going to work with them and visiting with all the different shop owners. For a brief period, they also opened Grace’s Alli Café, which was next door to Gil’s. Fast forward over 25 years later, […]
Food Security and Emergency Preparedness
Food security is a critical aspect of disaster preparedness. Emergencies like floods, tornadoes, pandemics, and storms can disrupt food supplies. One of the first steps in creating a food security plan is to understand the local needs, including the specific food security challenges and vulnerabilities of the population. With Herkimer County being number one in […]
The Future is Bright for Local Foods in Herkimer County
The future is bright for local foods in Herkimer County! The 2024 rollout of the mobile market Veggie Van program has proven to be a successful model, helping to expand access to area residents who were otherwise unable to travel to a farmers’ market. With increased opportunities for local agricultural produce to reach area residents, […]
Strengthening Local Food Systems Through Farm-to-Institution Programs
In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the importance of local and regional food systems in building resilient, sustainable communities. As we face global challenges such as climate change, economic instability, and public health crises, the need to support and strengthen these systems has never been more critical. One of the most […]
Spring Means Greens
Cultivating leafy greens such as chard, kale, and delicate lettuces involves specific practices to ensure robust growth and high yields. These vegetables thrive in well-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Prior to planting, it is beneficial to amend the soil with compost to enhance its nutrient content and moisture retention. Leafy greens generally prefer […]
Gardening as a Family
Many families struggle to find time to connect with each other in meaningful ways. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) (2019) outlines the importance of this connection, stating that teens who felt connected to family are 65% less likely to use illicit drugs or misuse prescription drugs as adults. The study also found […]