Kristen's Story of Growth

Hello Kindred Spirits,

I’m so excited to have the opportunity to introduce myself to all of you! I was an intern at The Farm at Kindred Ground last spring semester and a volunteer this semester. I haven't been able to meet many of you, but I think community is the most important part of the CSA model, so even if we don’t get to meet face to face, here is a little bit more about me:

I grew up in Queensbury, NY near Lake George at the base of the Adirondack Mountains. My mom always took my brother and me to the Farmer’s Market after school when we were younger and I loved soaking in the colors and flavors. When I was a freshman in high school one of the vendors offered me a job as an assistant seller, so every week I helped unload the van of veggies and sell at the market. I loved meeting all different kinds of people and selling them healthy, local produce.

Last year an opportunity came up through the Sociology Department for me to intern at The Farm at Kindred Ground and it seemed like the perfect fit. It was great to break away from school on Fridays to enjoy a day of work in the field. I learned so much from Tammy and worked to order the seeds that have grown into your bountiful shares, prep beds for planting and spread the word about the CSA. When I found out how much Tammy loved growing herbs, I proposed that we create an herb spiral (a concept that I learned while I was studying Permaculture in Brazil a few years ago). It was fun to see my creativity come to life on the farm. 

I was sad to leave in May, but another adventure awaited me in Vermont. I worked at Foggy Meadow Farm in Benson, Vermont from May to August. This four acre organic vegetable farm grows food for four Farmer’s Markets, three CoOps and  two restaurants. I worked with three other young, enthusiastic interns from New England. It was interesting learning how to grow on such a large scale. I helped build a greenhouse, seed lettuce, transplant cabbage, harvest beets and sell at market (to name a few tasks!). I had a great experience (and learned to cook pretty well!).

Now I’m a Junior Geography major and Environmental Studies minor at SUNY Geneseo. I’m interested in creating sustainable food systems that are good for the environment and provide healthy and nutritious food to all people. I’m hoping to work for a non-profit that organizes community gardening projects in urban areas. I think the CSA model is so powerful because you forge a relationship with the farmer, with each other and with the land on which your food is grown. Thanks for choosing local and supporting the dream of Kindred Ground! I hope to be able to meet some of you soon.

In community,

Kristen Balschunat

Volunteer at the Farm

Kindred Ground Farm is proud to welcome people of all ages, abilities, and walks of life to visit and learn about organic farming, fresh produce, and to dig in the dirt!  We are especially eager to have our youngest CSA Members visit us. We strongly believe that children who learn where their food comes from will often grow up to be healthier eaters!

When our youngest farmers visit we are happy to show them around, put them to work, let them play in our dirt pile, and of course sample some of the freshest produce they may have ever tasted by letting them pick a few foods themselves!

If your child is interested in learning more about Kindred Ground Farm and where his or her food comes from, please let us know. We will be glad to show you around. If you and your young children are interested in planting or weeding for a morning or afternoon, we can always use extra hands. For older children we can create a weekly volunteer opportunity. Older children who are able to follow directions, work semi-independently, and who are eager to learn about food growth are welcome to discuss filling a weekly (or more frequent) volunteer slot. This is a great opportunity for homeschoolers that can extend all the way to the end of the season. Children in public and private schools are equally welcome and can end their volunteering when school resumes in the fall or work in the afternoons if they desire.

In the past we have had young adults with developmental challenges work with us as well. We would welcome the opportunity to do this again. If you know of a young adult who is eager to learn and work with us on the farm, please let us know. We will be eager to coordinate with his/her parents or job coach to find the right fit for all of us!

Remember when you join a Community Supported Agriculture farm, you become a member in more than name! We hope to see you soon!