In a few more words, here's how Farm Family Foods works:

1. Fill your cart with whatever items you'd like to receive for the week. When you've decided and added items to your cart, Go to Checkout. 
2. Choose your pickup location. We have pickup spots in several locations (see the list below) and offer free delivery to our neighbors in Benson. Pickup location details are given at Checkout.  
3. Place your order by 9am each Monday. The online store stays open all the time, but we ask that you send your order by 9am Monday because it gives us the best chance at getting your order complete! 
4. We work with our local network of farmers to procure fresh products to fill your order. Our producers bring the best of their items to us each week after they receive your ordered items. In many cases, the produce you order is harvested just 24-48 hours before it gets to your kitchen! All of your unique items are then bagged and prepped for delivery to the pickup hosts. 
5. You arrive at your chosen pickup location between 4:00 and 6:00pm on Wednesdays to collect your order and complete your payment (if cash or check) with the pickup host. (If you are in Benson and chose the delivery option we will be in touch with you directly!) 
6. Enjoy your farm fresh foods!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Harvest Schedules: Local farms don’t typically harvest crops in large, pre-packaged quantities like large commercial farms. Instead, harvests are based on the natural rhythms of the farm, which means the farmer may need to harvest specific items on specific days. This requires coordination with the farmer to ensure the right amount and variety of produce are ready for your order.
2. Direct Communication: Local farmers often work on a smaller scale and may not have a big team dedicated to handling logistics. We may need to personally contact the farmer to discuss what they have available, negotiate quantities, and arrange the best pickup or delivery times.
3. Freshness Priorities: Local farmers focus on providing fresh, high-quality products, so they may not always have an item in stock right away, especially if they’re harvesting in smaller batches or have limited availability. They might need a couple of days to gather everything to fulfill an order that’s specific to your needs.

1. Freshness: Local farm foods are usually harvested at peak ripeness and delivered to market quickly. This means they retain more of their nutrients, flavor, and texture compared to grocery store produce, which might have been picked days or even weeks before reaching shelves.
2. Fewer or no chemicals: Many small local farms tend to use fewer pesticides and herbicides than large-scale commercial farms. This can lead to healthier, less toxic food for consumers. We prioritize working with farmers that grow without "-cides" because we believe it is better for soil health, plant health, and human health! 
3. Seasonality: Local farm foods tend to be in season, meaning they grow in the right climate and time of year, which often makes them taste better and have higher nutritional content.
4. Better soil health: Smaller, local farms often prioritize soil health and regenerative practices, which can result in more nutritious food. In contrast, industrial farming practices can sometimes degrade soil quality over time, leading to lower nutrient density in crops.
5. Support for local economies: Purchasing from local farms keeps money circulating within the community, supporting small-scale farmers and contributing to a more resilient, sustainable food system.
6. Environmental impact: Local foods typically have a smaller carbon footprint than those shipped across long distances. Less transportation means lower emissions, which is better for the environment.
7. Variety and unique varieties: Many local farms grow heirloom or specialty crops that you can’t find in grocery stores. These unique varieties may have better flavor profiles or provide a richer culinary experience.

1.  Better Taste and Freshness: When produce is in season, it’s often harvested at its peak ripeness, which means it’s fresher and tastier. Seasonal foods don’t need to be shipped long distances, which helps preserve their flavor and texture.
2. Higher Nutritional Value: Seasonal produce is typically richer in nutrients since it’s allowed to ripen naturally on the vine or plant, rather than being harvested early and stored for a longer period. The fresher the food, the more nutrients it retains.
3. Supports Local Farmers: Eating seasonally from local farmers helps boost local economies and reduces your carbon footprint. You’re supporting small-scale, sustainable farming practices that prioritize the health of the land.
4. Cost-Effective: Seasonal produce is usually more abundant, which means it’s often less expensive. Prices can drop when there’s a surplus of a particular crop, so you can enjoy more variety without breaking the bank.
5. Variety in Diet: Eating seasonally encourages a more diverse diet, as you explore different fruits and vegetables throughout the year. This helps keep your meals interesting while ensuring you're getting a wide range of nutrients.
6. Environmental Impact: Seasonal produce doesn’t require long-distance transportation, reducing the environmental costs associated with food transportation and storage. This can contribute to a more sustainable food system.