WEEKLY UPDATES FROM THE FARM

Happy Spring! Although March 20th marked the official start, for me when I saw the sweet peas popping up at our farmstand I knew spring arrived. There’s something magical about watching the seasons shift right in front of our eyes. While hearty winter produce trails off, signs of new life are everywhere.

I got a call from the FDA the other day, and wanted to share how it went. For years, I’ve been working to get our CSA program SNAP certified so we can provide fresh, organic food to as many people as possible. It’s been a long road of paperwork, hurdles, and frustration. And honestly, I’ve had mixed feelings about the SNAP program—because while it helps people access food, it also allows for purchases of just about any junk food. But once I teamed up with FarmHand, they connected me with someone who helped me through the process, and I finally started to feel hopeful. Until Friday. That’s when I got the call saying the government might pull funding from SNAP. I’m still awaiting more details but if this goes through, it could mean major setbacks for people relying on SNAP for fresh produce. I was really angry, but I also had to consider that the person on the other end might lose their job—so we took a moment and said a short prayer together. I’ll update as I learn more but in the meantime, I’m reminding myself why I fight so hard for this program—because everyone deserves access to real, nutrient-dense food. 

For the past 14 years, I’ve been holding on so tightly to this CSA program—pushing through everything, no matter what, even while in the NICU with my second son 5 years ago, I was planning the CSA because this is my baby too. Last week, I had a big realization: I can take time off, and the CSA will still go on. And for that, I am endlessly grateful. This CSA has grown into more than just a box of produce—it’s a community built on shared values, on the love of local, organic food, and on the commitment to something bigger than ourselves.

I've taken the opportunity to check out and be in Hawaii this week. I’ll be back on Wednesday to get these boxes to you. I thought I’d be available to write this newsletter but I really want to take my last few minutes here to soak up the vibes. Aloha. 🌺

Spring has officially sprung on the farm! With temperatures reaching into the 80s, it’s hard to believe it's still technically winter, but the plants sure aren’t complaining. Our blueberries are popping off, and we’re excited to include them in all of the CSA shares this week.

More rain is in the forecast! While we can never predict exactly how much we’ll get until it's here, and wet weather can really slow down our CSA setup. We always appreciate your patience as we work to get everything packed in a safe and timely manner—especially when it comes to our delivery drivers, who brave the elements to bring fresh produce to your door. Speaking of our drivers, we’re adding a $2 delivery charge to all home deliveries, which will go directly to them. They can put in ten-hour days on Wednesdays to ensure your CSA boxes make it to you, and it’s important to me that they are taken care of just as well as they take care of their job. Thank you for understanding and supporting the hardworking team that keeps this CSA running smoothly!

Happy February! We’re pushing through some of the toughest weeks of the year for farming, but luckily we live on the Central Coast, where we can keep growing and harvesting, albeit more slowly.

Winter has truly settled in on the farm, bringing cold days and unseasonably dry weather. We were thrilled to see a few drops of rain over the weekend—as very little bit counts—and in the meantime, we're doing our best rain dance, hoping for more.

As we take a moment to honor Martin Luther King Jr. today, we’re reminded of his enduring legacy of service, unity, and resilience- "Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’ " His words inspire us to reflect on how we can continue to support our community—whether through small acts of kindness, nourishing our bodies with wholesome food, or caring for the land that sustains us.