Help Us Help Our Community: Food Security Work

Hello Birch Point Farm community,
Happy early spring from southern Leelanau County!  The greenhouse is warm; greens are sprouting in the hoophouse, and we are getting ready for a great growing season.  I'm writing with our biggest news and an invitation. 
First, we are officially proud OWNERS of the Birch Point Farm land – we closed on the property this past August!  Now begins the work of planting perennials and restoring/upgrading buildings, and continues the work of growing food for our community and building healthy, productive soil.  We're so thankful to have the opportunity to continue stewarding this land and feeding our neighbors.
Second, we're expanding our food security work.  In partnership with the Leelanau Children's Center and social service providers, we are increasing the amount of Birch Point Farm food going to families in need.  In addition to sharing food through farmers’ markets, traditional CSA shares, investor shares, and our new Lifetime CSA shares, we are planning to grow food for up to 50 local families (more than double last year’s participants) experiencing economic hardship.  Our working relationship with the Center began in 2014, and has become even more interconnected now that our two-year-old, Rudy, attends day care at the Center.  We want all families to have access to the same fresh, healthy veggies he does.       
How it works:  Sponsors underwrite one or more CSA shares by writing a tax deductible check to the non-profit Leelanau Children's Center.  The Center staff identify financially eligible families in need who wish to receive veggies every week.  Birch Point Farm grows and delivers the shares to the Center, recipient families pick up weekly veggies during the distribution period, and the Center pays the farm for the shares: win-win-win. 
Would you join us as an underwriter of one or more donated shares this year?  Because you love food, you love the farm, and you understand wanting the best for your family, we hope you'll find this opportunity meaningful.  A sponsored CSA share is an actual act of sharing, an expansion of the community to those unable to participate through other membership opportunities.  By underwriting a share, you are supporting local food systems, providing access to high-quality veggies regardless of economic situation, and ensuring the sustainability of the farm!  We’ll periodically share feedback with you from the recipient families to show you the personal impact your donation is making. 
What to do next: Shares cost $575 each, and the cost is tax-deductible.  If you round your donation up to $600 (or beyond), the additional funds will go to the Center.  Read more about their work and philosophy at http://www.leelanauchildrenscenter.org/.  To underwrite a share, write a check for $575 (or more) to the Leelanau Children's Center, with "Birch Point Farm CSA" in the memo line.  Send to Leelanau Children's Center,  PO Box 317,  Leland, MI 49654.   Then email or call to let us know how many shares you've sponsored: birchpointcsa@gmail.com or 231-933-7256.  That's it!
Thank you SO much for your support in the past (for past sponsors).   We're honored to work with you as we continue to increase local food security and community access to fresh, healthy produce every year.  Please email or call if I can answer any questions.

                                                                                     In gratitude,
                                                                                     Michelle Ferrarese
                                                                                     for Birch Point Farm