Have you been dreaming of a week traveling in France's Bordeaux region? Or skiing in Bend, Oregon? How about dinner for eight prepared with local food in a LEED Gold-certified kitchen? These items and many others will be auctioned off at CISA's local harvest dinner and auction, Taste the View, on Thursday, September 19th, at Quonquont Farm in Whately. Less than 100 tickets are left for this year's event, so get your tickets soon to save your seat at the table! More information and tickets here.
Local Hero Restaurant Days, August 20th and 21st
Come on out to one of the 52 participating Local Hero restaurants next Tuesday or Wednesday to enjoy local specials that highlight the summer bounty! Enjoy a delicious meal, and support the local restaurants that are supporting our local farms. You can see all the participating restaurants and many of their specials
here, and when you eat a meal at a participating restaurant during the event, you can enter to win a
Pioneer Valley Heritage Grain half share!
Volunteer with CISA at Fun Fall Events!
Volunteers are needed for our annual harvest dinner and fundraiser, Taste the View, on September 19th, and to represent CISA at Red Fire Farm's fantastic Tomato Festival on August 24th. Interested? Contact Judy.
Farm Stand Bingo, Kids Cooking, and More!
In August, join our Local Hero Challenge for a round of Farm Stand Bingo, to try out new food preservation techniques, visit a Local Hero restaurant, or enter our recipe contest for kids. See all the Challenges here.
Upcoming Workshops for Farmers and Chefs
Producing Meat for Local Restaurants: what cuts work for chefs and how to maintain strong wholesale relationships, with local chefs Daniel Martinez of Bistro Les Gras and Jordan Scott from The Gill Tavern. Monday, August 19th, 6:00-8:30pm, Northampton.
Greenhouse Energy Efficiency, with the Massachusetts Farm Energy Program at Full Bloom Market Garden in Whately, Thursday, August 22nd, 6:30-8:30pm.
River Valley Market Green Stamps Benefit CISA in September
Bring your own bags or ride your bike to River Valley Market to get a stamp on your "green stamps card." Turn in your fully-stamped card to make a donation to CISA during the month of September. Thanks, River Valley Market!
CISA Community Members Save 10% on food and drink at Cup and Top
Stop by Cup and Top in downtown Florence to try their delicious soups, sandwiches and baked goods made with ingredients from local farms. Enjoy organic coffee or tea, free Wi-Fi, and an inviting kids' play space. Bring your membership card and try them out! (Not a member? Join here.)
Seasonal Recipes and Preserving Tips
Each week, CISA posts delicious cooking and eating ideas from local farms and bloggers on our Valley Bounty page. You'll also find preserving ideas and information about local sourcing. Recent weeks have included tomatoes, fresh beans, and peaches.