Neighbors, Nourishment, and New Faces: RBAC’s 2025 Farm Stand Season Wraps Up Soon

by Derartu Massey

It is now week 16 of the farm stand, and we have just four weeks left before wrapping up another great season. Since June 14, we’ve gathered every Saturday to share fresh, local produce, and we will continue until our final day on October 25th. As we approach this final stretch, we want to take a moment to celebrate all the people, produce, and energy that have kept the farm stand thriving.

One of the highlights of this season has been the addition of new staff members at RBAC, who have contributed significantly to the farm stand. First, we are thrilled to welcome Marizel, our Community Kitchen Coordinator. Each week, she has utilized fresh produce to prepare nutritious and delicious meals for both the staff and volunteers. Her cooking goes beyond just food; it’s about hospitality, care, and inspiration. Many people leave the farm stand not only with bags of produce but also with new ideas for turning those ingredients into healthy meals.

We also welcomed Adam, who has been instrumental in managing our green systems, organizing dry storage, and packing CSA bags. From ensuring that produce is carefully sorted to helping pack items into the CSA bags, Adam has played a key role in keeping everything organized. We also welcomed Marie, our Farm Stand Fellow. Marie has been an incredible support at the farm stand and with the CSA, greeting patrons and arranging produce displays. Her enthusiasm, warmth, and dedication have greatly enhanced the RBAC team.

Having Marizel, Adam and Marie join the team has been a gift. They have each added their own energy and skills, making the farm stand feel even stronger and more connected.

Every Saturday, the farm stand begins early, with setup starting at 8:30 a.m. Staff and volunteers gather to set up tents, arrange tables, and put out produce. Once everything is in place, the team gathers for a morning circle. Here, we review everyone’s roles for the day: who will greet patrons, assist with CSA pickups, help with cooking, and restock produce as it flows out. Kerry always takes a moment to share a few words of encouragement before we officially begin, reminding us that the farm stand is about more than just food; it’s about connection and care for the community.

Over the weeks, we’ve noticed clear favorites among our patrons. Corn, cabbage, green beans, and kale have consistently been popular, disappearing quickly from the tables. Fruit has been especially loved; peaches, sweet blueberries, and crisp apples are often met with excitement. So far, the farm stand has welcomed over 2,200 patrons (a mix of new visitors and familiar neighbors who return each week). Each visit is a reminder of how important this space is to our community. Every bag of produce represents more than just food; it carries traditions, memories, and nourishment shared among families and friends.

This year, we have been blessed with new volunteers joining the farm stand, coming through. So far, more volunteers have come forward to lend a hand. We have seen many familiar faces as well as new ones. Each volunteer brings their own personality and energy to the farm stand. Some excel at chatting with patrons, answering questions, and making everyone feel welcome, while others are great at heavy lifting, moving crates, refilling tables, and keeping the flow of produce smooth. Still, others enjoy helping with setup or cleanup, ensuring that the space looks its best. Regardless of their roles, volunteers make the farm stand possible, and we couldn’t be more grateful for their time and commitment.

The farm stand has always been more than just a place to pick up produce; it’s a hub for connection. Each week, familiar faces return, and new neighbors stop by for the first time, leading to conversations that might not happen elsewhere. Recipes are swapped, cooking tips are shared, and laughter flows freely. We often hear patrons say that the farm stand feels like a place of belonging, and that’s exactly what we aim to create.

With four weeks still to go, there’s plenty of time to stop by and grab some produce. Whether you’ve been coming regularly or haven’t made it out yet, we’d love to see you at the farm stand before we wrap up!