2007 Testimonials

These are statements written by adopted families about their experience of participating in the Local Foods Connection programs. All statements are anonymous.

Dear Local Foods Connection:

1. When my social worker offered to submit my name to LFC it seemed unnecessary (to me) because I had provided food for my meals for years without any assistance, except for a visit to the Food Bank every 2 months or so. But I said yes, figuring that it would be nice to get fresh food every week.
   
   When I picked up that first delivery box, it was a real treat and I felt gratitude galore. It held fresh green peas, radishes, lettuce, and fresh eggs! Back at my apartment, I placed these goodies in the refrigerator and made fresh meals from them. Each week there appeared a welcome bounty of greens and vegetables of all kinds. They save me from spending too much on groceries and I liked that they were fresh-picked that day.
   
   
2. We appreciate the donations from the Local Foods Program and Oak Hill Acres. The program has allowed us the opportunity to eat a quality of food that well exceeds our budget.
   
   
3. What fun 2007 have been - interesting new people - especially fine, diversified crops. New experience in food - large radishes (I previously only ate small) sliced and fried are delicious warm. My first experience with a fresh, organic turkey was delightful: cooking it for less time and unstuffed provided the juice for abundant gravy that I require; onions and celery provided the desired seasoning. Small sweet potatoes were delicious and a delightful shape, decoratively pleasing. Previously I had gone for quantity and was pleased by the delicate flavor.
   
   
4. Being a part of Local Foods Connection was a very positive experience. My family's favorite items were the potatoes, green beans, squash, strawberries and all of the greens. The handouts always have good information about the sources of nutrients. Seeing how the plants grow, during the farm visit, was helpful. I saw how much work the farmers put into growing their crops. The okra plants are a thing of beauty and extraterrestrial. My son enjoyed digging up potatoes with the farmer. Everything went smoothly with the delivery.
   
   
5. Once again we really enjoyed the boxes of fresh vegetables this past summer. There was a good variety of the familiar and the new. We tried everything even if we couldn't always identify it, sometimes with good results and sometimes not so good. The children are usually pretty brave in at least giving something a try. I experimented more this year with recipes from the Asparagus to Zucchini vegetable cookbook. I think my favorite from the boxes this year was the mixed greens and lettuces in the early spring and fall. I ate lots of salads with those; they are so tasty. The children's favorite is still tomatoes. They made lots of salsa and it never lasts long enough! Thank you so much for putting it together for us. It was well organized once again and we certainly enjoyed the boxes and chickens and turkey. I'm also getting lots of mileage out of the kitchenware from my shopping spree.