Dear Members, Customers and local eaters-
I can't say much that you haven't already heard. This is a situation our country hasn't faced in our lifetimes. No one has the answers and we are all doing the best we can to process everything going on.
We want to give you a little information about how Park Ridge Organics is proceeding with the season so we can be transparent and aware of potential changes that may or may not need to occur.
A little about COVID-19:
The virus behaves like a cold or flu. In fact, it's in the family of viruses that cause half of all human colds. Unfortunately, it's more aggressive than typical cold and flu, and drives deeper into the throat and lungs. There is no treatment beyond "rest and plenty of fluids", as it's a virus, and can only be cured after our bodies create enough antibodies to corral the invading virus particles. And like the Spanish Flu of 1918, it may subside during the summer and then return next fall and winter.
Our Preparedness for the 2020 Season:
First and foremost, healthy nutritious food is necessary at the time like this. We are continuing on with our full planting schedule for the season and will continue taking member sign ups until we reach our member limit. One thing we know for sure is that we can grow great food this season. All our seeds, inputs, supplies and other necessary items needed to get from seed to sale are already in place and on the farm. We are growing veggies no matter what. There may be disruptions in global supply chains but we feel very prepared for the season (as we often are at this time) and those disruptions shouldn't limit our ability to grow delicious healthy produce.
Social Gatherings (Farm Market and Share Pickup Locations):
Without knowing where things we be at in June (start of farm market season) it is hard to predict what will be happening regarding farm markets. We will be following the lead of the Downtown Appleton Farm Market organizers (Appleton Downtown Inc). In other parts of the country where markets are in season, many of them are closing temporarily.
As for share deliveries, most of our share pick up sites are not crowded locations but that said, we do have a few sites with 80+ members picking up and they are public locations. We plan to adjust by either moving our pickup outdoors (distribute out of the truck in parking lot if needed) or in the case of on farm pickup, we could bring peoples shares to their cars upon request. Again, we don't know where things will be in June but I just want you to now that we are thinking about all aspects of our food distribution.
I wanted to mention that share home delivery has been on our radar recently. We are not at all set up for it now, but it is something that depending on how things transpire, we may need to get our ducks in a row faster than we planned. Because this feature would require out sourcing to a delivery service, there would be an additional cost involved most likely. Just a head up on that.
Financial Disruptions:
Our country may be facing a recession as a result of this pandemic, where some segments, like travel and entertainment are most affected. We provide a necessity, food, so we will be less impacted. However, members income may be affected by work disruptions. Economic downturn could also affect members income.
We will continue to be flexible. Food is a basic necessity, so we want to continue to produce and deliver it. Plus, our crops continue to grow and produce regardless of the situation. We shall be flexible with delayed payment requests.
Our Farm Crews Health
As a small farm, we have a small team of employees. With that said, we provide food for you and handling it safely is very important. We have had a Food Safety Plan in place on the farm since 2014. We will continue to follow that plan by following surface sanitation practices and food washing and sanitation steps. Sick employees are not allowed to work and we will be even more diligent about asking for employees to report if they live in a household with an infected person.
From all of us here at Park Ridge Organics...stay healthy. As we have for the past 17 season, we will continue to grow fresh, healthy, clean organic produce for you and your families and get through this situation together.
Thank you for your support-
Robyn Calvey
Farm Owner
Park Ridge Organics
