COLUMBUS — Conscientious eaters from around central Ohio have one more reason to be thankful this holiday season. They will go “over the river and through the woods” Nov. 23 to pick up a box of locally-grown chemical-free produce and a pasture raised turkey for Thanksgiving.
The food was grown by farmers from the The Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association’s Heart of Ohio Chapter. This is the seventh year the group has offered locally-grown produce for Thanksgiving.
Demand has increased steadily over the years, outpacing the supply. This year 75 boxes will be sold.
Produce
The produce box will include squash, potatoes, farm-raised eggs, onions, beets, carrots, cabbage, honey, fresh herbs, apples and more, along with recipe suggestions.
Turkey
The fresh turkey (10 to 18 pounds) is from Black Creek Heritage Farm near Canal Winchester.
“These farmers are proud to be able to offer this food for its fabulous flavors,” said Carol Goland, executive director of Ohio Ecological Food and Farm Association.
“But it’s more than just that. People who buy the boxes have told us how it makes their Thanksgiving extra meaningful. They feel good about supporting small family farmers and being mindful of the awesome bounty of the earth.”
Information
Information about how to purchase a produce box and turkey is available at http://www.oeffa.org/thanksgiving2008.php or by calling the organization at 614-421-2022.
The boxes, which provide enough produce to feed six-eight people, are being sold for $50 while the turkey costs $3.85 a pound. The pick up is at Flying J Farm, near Johnstown, in Licking County.
A small farmers’ market will be set up that afternoon, where customers can purchase additional produce.
