A spirit of gratitude

Yes, it's the month that Thanksgiving happens in. However, this post isn't about expressing thanks so much as it is about a way of gratitude. What's the difference? Expressing thanks for something is usually linked to one thing, or a specific thing at a specific moment in time. The way of gratitude is about how we walk and be in the world. Our members are thankful on a daily basis, however, they also have a deep sense of gratitude, something that flows under the surface and is not always seen. That's what we want to share with you today, some of that deep flowing river. Drink deeply and let their example be a guide to you as well. Find a way to live a life of gratitude.

“Put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:14

What's the most rewarding part of your job that people outside of farming might not see?  

Zandra: How the farm buzzes with waking life early in the morning... Like the sound of an orchestra tuning itself for a performance!

Jenna: We are most proud of being a staple within the community since 1989. Through those years we have changed lots but our values are well rooted.

Sue: Watching a seed grow, watching a baby animal being born.

Amy: One of the most rewarding parts of the job is interacting with customers in our shop. When people come in who are excited about local food, small biz, and “discovering the hidden gem” as we like to say, that’s the best.

What are you most proud of in the way your farm contributes to the community? 

Zandra: How it builds connections between people, whether new friendships, work opportunities or just sharing some cooking tips!

Jenna:  We donated product diligently to school breakfast programs, local community fridges and food banks. Being able to give the gift of healthy food is an amazing, heart felt endeavor we are extemely passionate about.

Lisa: We are very proud of the unique, close connection with the urban community we have. Being just outside of Toronto, our main customers are real families and individuals, not grocery store chains. That direct relationship means we get to know the people who enjoy our food, and they get to know the farmers who grow it. It’s a rare and special bond, and it’s at the heart of everything we do. We’re proud that our farm provides fresh, high-quality food directly to the families in our community. Knowing that what we grow is nourishing people we see every day means a lot to us. We’re grateful for the incredible support from our customers, and we love giving back—whether that’s sharing extra produce when we have a bumper crop or offering free tickets to our corn maze.

Sue: We are proud to be able to quietly support families in need through local food banks.

When a difficult season or challenge passes, what's the first thing that comes to mind that makes you feel it was all worth it?

Zandra: That I am so lucky to wake up every day and be surrounded by such beauty and peacefulness, and to be part of such a loving, accepting community :)

Sally: This year was particularly challenging, given my accident at the beginning of the summer, which immobilized me for most of the season.  I am deeply touched and immensely grateful for the support of the farming community, volunteers and loyal customers.  It is the community that makes it all worthwhile. 

What's one thing you wish people knew about what it takes to get food from the field to their table? 

Zandra: That we have seen every vegetable from seed to seedling to delicious food on your table. This whole process takes months. So when you buy that item for $5, we hope people appreciate the time and effort and love that it takes to grow each vegetable!

Lisa: One thing we wish people knew is just how much constant adaptation farming requires. It’s both physically and mentally exhausting—we’re always finding new ways to keep the farm running while balancing the rising costs of production. At the same time, we work hard to keep our prices fair so our community isn’t burdened. Growing food this way takes a huge financial investment, but we believe everyone deserves access to food that’s grown with care, and that belief keeps us going.

Sue: Wish they understood that we can't control the weather, and that farming is labour-intensive.

“I would maintain that thanks are the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” —G. K. Chesterton