COMMON ROOTS OPENS FARM STAND AT SOUTH VILLAGE

Sales support efforts to promote local food education and reduce food insecurity in South Burlington

Common Roots, a South Burlington based nonprofit organization, hosts a daily farm stand from 7 am to 7 pm with fresh organic veggies and herbs at the Farm at South Village. All proceeds from the farmstand support Common Root’s five educational programs in the South Burlington schools and at the Wheeler House on Dorset Street.  The farmstand is located just off Spear Street at Allen Road East in our new red barn. Look for the signs to guide that guide the way.  Our produce is also available each Saturday at the Shelburne Farmers Market from 9-1 pm.

In addition to our daily farm stand, the Common Roots Farm at South Village provides;  CSA shares; field trips at our 50 raised beds; food for each Farm to School lesson in 54 South Burlington classrooms each month during the school year; culinary lessons; and free Community Food Shares to 40 local families.  

While Common Roots has been providing food education at the Growing Gardens (50 raised beds site) for eight years, this is the first full season running the fuller Farm at South Village, on approximately five acres with tremendous support from our Stewardship Committee.  We are also cultivating two additional acres at the Underwood property down the street in partnership with the City of South Burlington.

According to Betty Andrews, a resident at the Farm at South Village and CSA member, “I love not having to worry about the produce lasting through the week if I don’t get to use it immediately. Each week at pick up we have the opportunity to try food made with a recipe incorporating the specific vegetables distributed that week, plus a copy of that recipe to take if we like what we have tasted. The rustic and clean nature of the barn is inviting from a farm ambiance perspective. The farmer is often there to answer questions and give an impromptu tour from his perspective; an all around positive experience!”

Our production farmer, Michael Bisogno and his team are diligent in ensuring that the farm stand has a wide variety of produce available such as lettuces, herbs, kale, swiss chard, zucchini, summer squash, green beans and cucumbers. As the season moves on, look for sweet corn and the tastiest tomatoes in town!  

Common Roots embraces a dynamic mission to foster the relationships amongst farmers, educators, youth, families, and the wider community through place-based education and service programs. Come visit us at the Farm Stand! Tell your neighbors,  and enjoy the organic harvest!  

For more information, visit www.commonroots.org.