A letter from our grower, Phil Cordelli

Hi everyone,

Thanks to all who have already purchased a 2014 share! Everyone else, remember to sign up by February 3, before the waitlist is opened and unclaimed shares are released. We have over 200 people on the wait list and only 100 extra shares. We are ordering seeds and supplies and it is very helpful to know we have a secure amount of money to work with.
We appreciate the people who brought leaves to the farm last fall. They are a great source of carbon, which is crucial to maintaining a healthy compost system. We just finished spreading compost on the fields, including compost generated at the farm. In the coming season, we aim to use up to 100% on-farm compost to reduce the use of transportation diesel fuel emissions.
Almost all crops are gone from the fields, except for some overwintering spinach and experimental carrot beds. We purchased a giant roll of greenhouse plastic to construct low-tunnels, which will help us extend the harvest season into November. As I am putting the finishing touches on the crop plan, we are keeping in mind the anticipated Thanksgiving pickup of storage crops, greens and herbs.
I’d like to thank those who have already purchased a Supporting Share. These are crucial to support our efforts to expand access to fresh and healthy produce. The Supporting Share also helps fund our Veteran Reintegration Program, which combines a therapeutic approach with job-skills training in areas throughout the Chatfield site. We will also keep donating produce to aid groups in food deserts such as the Grow Haus and Mo’ Betta Greens. Through purchasing an egg/meat share or fruit share you are supporting our local farm partners such as Ela Farms and the Eastern Plains Natural Food Co-op. The same is true if you purchase a jam share from your fellow CSA member Kathy’s Modern Gingham jam company.
I’m also proud to announce that, as I type this, I am looking at our brand-new SNAP program permit. We will now be able to accept Electronic Benefit Cards for people on Federal Food Assistance programs at our new Denver Human Services’ farm stand. We will be offering discount produce and accept EBT cards in one of this city’s biggest food deserts.
We can’t continue to engage and serve our community with these fresh food initiatives without your help. We ask that you consider buying a tax-deductible ($325) supporting share. We still have 20 available shares, so please read over the online information if you would like to learn about additional benefits, including a gourmet farm-to-table dinner at Chatfield!

See you in June,
-Phil