Connecting Local Farms with Local Families
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The cost and availability of food affect all of us, and increasingly, local communities are looking at how to make sure people have access to healthy options.
In the North Country, those concerns are raising questions about how we build a stronger, more resilient local food landscape. Essex Food Hub is one organization that is addressing those challenges and preparing for some significant changes.
Many people are familiar with shopping at the Essex Food Hub Market, a community grocery store in Westport, New York. The market, however, is just one part of Essex Food Hub’s broader mission to strengthen the local food economy, support farmers, and expand access to healthy, locally grown food.
The nonprofit organization creates economic opportunities for farmers and other local producers while working to make healthy food more accessible to families and communities throughout the region.
Our Community Contributor Kira Witherwax discusses the challenges and opportunities Essex Food Hub is facing with its Executive Director, Lindsay Willemain. They talk about the expansion of the organization, changes in government funding, and the benefits of investing in a local food network.
To learn more about the Essex Food Hub, including how to donate to the organization or volunteer, visit essexfoodhub.org.
Community Contributor Kira Witherwax
Kira Witherwax of Port Kent, New York, is a Licensed Real Estate Associate Broker with RE/MAX North Country, a local real estate brokerage. A past president of the Clinton County Board of REALTORS®, Kira continues to serve on committees with both the National and New York State REALTOR® Associations.
Beyond her professional work, Kira is an active member of her community as a Rotarian and a member of the Keeseville Elks Lodge. She enjoys meeting new people, exploring the many communities that make up the North Country, enjoying local restaurants, reading, and spending time with her family.
As a community contributor, Kira shares the stories and insights of the people and organizations that shape our communities, highlighting perspectives and experiences that inspire conversation, deepen understanding, and remind us of what we all share.