Growing up on my family's farm in Pennsylvania, I never would have pictured the life I live at Willow Haven farm. As a kid I spent summers in our large family garden we called, “The Truck Patch”. I helped mom every summer, picking beans, weeding, and cutting fruit and vegetables for the hundreds of jars of canned and frozen produce we put up. Now I spends less time out in the field and more time in the kitchen doing the same preserving for my own farm family. Farmer Reuben values my many hours doing much of the behind the scenes marketing, writing emails to cultivate customers and capturing the farm story each week. I'm always learning along the way in my quest to improve the farm experience for each of her current and future farm members in our 500+ member, year-round customized farm box delivery program. Reading our stories will connect you with your food in a way you never experienced before. Someday soon you will want to fit local food into your life and we'll be here to help you.
Now I'm Back! says farm member: Donate Today
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Hi Reader! Enthusiastic excitement and gratitude! Farmer Reuben wants you to know that he is encouraged by the excitement for Willow Haven General Store. Overcoming obstacles will require overwhelming community support. We know that you have a strong desire to support a resilient local food economy and are seeking alternatives to conventional grocery options like Wal Mart, Aldi, and Whole Foods. But you might ask: Is it reasonable to expect that Willow Haven Farm will receive enough support to compete with existing food businesses in our area? Reuben conducted research into the food spending habits of households in Upper Macungie Township. The data revealed that the average household spends a substantial portion of their income on food annually. The Stats: The average Upper and Lower Macungie household spends between 9 and 11 percent of their income on food. Half of this money is spent eating out and half is spent buying food to prepare at home. The amount of money spent on eating out is $64 million . Another $64 million is spent on eating at home. Just in Upper and Lower Macungie townships. The Alternative: By redirecting even a modest percentage towards local, organic options, we can collectively make a profound difference. Would you spend 10% of your annual food budget to support local, organic food instead of shopping elsewhere? The Vision: If you share our vision for a healthier, more sustainable future, we invite you to join us as a farm member and local food investor. Your support, whether through donations or spreading the word avout the Willow Haven Farm General Store, will make a tangible impact. Together, let's create a thriving hub for local, organic food that reflects our shared values and commitment to a better tomorrow. Check out the Privileges & Perks that our Supportive Community "investors" receive.
As Always...We support your desire to have a good, healthy way of life and food on your table that supports that goal. We'll keep farming for you! Reuben and Tessa DeMaster P.S.Today is a great day to donate toward the cause of local organic food!
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Tessa DeMaster
Growing up on my family's farm in Pennsylvania, I never would have pictured the life I live at Willow Haven farm. As a kid I spent summers in our large family garden we called, “The Truck Patch”. I helped mom every summer, picking beans, weeding, and cutting fruit and vegetables for the hundreds of jars of canned and frozen produce we put up. Now I spends less time out in the field and more time in the kitchen doing the same preserving for my own farm family. Farmer Reuben values my many hours doing much of the behind the scenes marketing, writing emails to cultivate customers and capturing the farm story each week. I'm always learning along the way in my quest to improve the farm experience for each of her current and future farm members in our 500+ member, year-round customized farm box delivery program. Reading our stories will connect you with your food in a way you never experienced before. Someday soon you will want to fit local food into your life and we'll be here to help you.
Hi Reader, Lisa wasn’t part of the sourdough craze during the pandemic, but when she took a workshop at Willow Haven Farm, her journey with “Frank” (her sourdough starter) began—and it’s been anything but ordinary. From near-disasters (like baking “Frank” by accident) to delicious wins, Lisa’s experience proves that sourdough making is far more forgiving—and rewarding—than you might think. Her story is full of humor, resilience, and tips for turning starter into something special. Curious to...
Hi Reader, When Devon came to Willow Haven Farm, he was blown away. His friends at the gym—our farm customers—had been telling him for weeks, even months: "You’ve got to meet Reuben and Tessa. You’ve got to get your food from them!" Now, our businesses are just around the corner from each other, and in a shocking turn of events—Reuben is actually sitting in front of a camera to interview him. (I know, right?!) I can’t wait to share it with you. You see, we truly want you to live a healthy,...
Hi Reader, The door was stuck. Arms full of warm, freshly baked pastries, I struggled to push open the glass front green door of the General Store. No luck. Then I saw the sign: "Use Other Door." Don’t you hate acting out that Far Side cartoon in real life? 😆 But don’t let that stop you—our doors are open, and it’s cozy inside! The scent of hot coffee and buttery scones fills the air, and we’ve got some delicious deals waiting for you this week. This Week’s Specials – Just for You 🍏 All Week...