hello friends,

in this post is some misc news, ideas for ways to help and
request for about 4 more helpers tomorrow morning, Saturday 9/26, 8:30-11:30. ( i know it's late notice again!!! if interested, please text me that you would like to come)

the season is turning - it is officially fall. frost is coming soon and in a few weeks our food growing season will be coming to a close. This year during the pandemic we have focused intensely on growing food to share and overall we have been very successful, with the help of so many people! We have worked hard to make our farm a covid-safe place to volunteer and we have had a record number of workshares take food home to their households this year. We have also been able to directly deliver more gift food boxes to people's houses this year, while continuing our partnerships with the Farm-to-clinic program and 5 other food sharing programs in Story County. We know this year has been so hard for so many people and we are grateful for all those who have offered their time and skills to help us offer a little love and healthy food to our community.
other exciting news is that there is a new Catholic Worker Hospitality house opening in Ames. They are working on moving into the house this week and hope to be ready to offer hospitality in a month. For more info about what's going on, or how to help, check out:
www.amescatholicworkerhouse.org

If you are interested in helping out this fall, we would love your help!
here are some ideas/needs:
ON THE FARM:
Tomorrow Saturday 9/26: 8:30-11:30 - we will be working on turning composts, caring for the vineyard, and perhaps cutting/moving firewood.
next saturday oct 3: 1-4pm - not sure what yet but it should be fun!
GARLIC PLANTING - saturdays oct 17 and/or 24. This is a big project that we will be working on over a number of days.
HARVEST HELP - tuesday and friday mornings 7-10am (for the next 2 weeks.)

CARPENTRY OR DEMOLITION HELP?
We are hoping to repair and renovate our corn-crib this fall. The siding is old, in disrepair, and was damaged further by the derecho. Some of this work can be done by volunteers, some will require hiring professionals. If we do all the repairs that we want, this project will also be a little expensive, so we would very much appreciate any financial assistance anyone is able to give.

JOIN OUR TEAM OR A COMMITTEE?
If you are interested in helping us make big picture decisions, planning, dreaming, or organizing, we'd love to have you join our FARM TEAM.
or maybe you would be interested in being on a fundraising committee, or events-and-education committee as we try to figure out how to better stay connected to and serve our community during this pandemic.

if any of these things are of interest to you, please reply to this email, or text alice at 978-471-8414. Due to covid, please don't just show up but wait for a confirmation before coming.

in much gratitude,
alice mcgary
mustardseedfarm.org
978-471-8414