We did come and enjoy the music, food, people and the festival this weekend. It was awesome! The music was great, food was incredible and we left with a fistful of information and a gratifying feeling about being part of something good.
As I’m profiling local food sources here at the Festival, I really get a picture of how diverse our local farms are, including their history. There’s one particular farm that probably has the most unique and inspiring story I’ve come across so far here. Woodwynn Farms not only contributes to the local food economy, but also produces food with a social conscience in mind: their 193 acre organic farm serves as a therapeutic community to help homeless and individuals affected by addictions to re-integrate back into society.
Their model is straight-forward. Based on the San Patrignano model of a therapeutic community, Woodwynn Farms accepts, at maximum, 12 people at a time to develop personal and employable skills on their farm. Additionally, these individuals are provided with shelter, food, and legal assistance. According to Woodwynn Farms, this holistic approach aims to encompass “all areas of physical, emotional, mental and spiritual well-being of the person”, with hopes to help these individuals to change their lives.
If you’re looking to buy local produce while helping to combat our social issues with homelessness, Woodwynn Farms is a great place to go. If you want to get involved with this innovative social project, Woodwynn Farms lists several ways to do on their website, which includes volunteering. If you thought eating locally was considered ’social’ enough, the amazing people behind Woodwynn Farms really show how much further you can go.
Woodwynn Farms exhibit - photo taken by Eric Leong
