Berks County-based Rodale Institute, the global leader in regenerative organic agriculture, has shifted its regional consumer education, outreach, and engagement model to fit the era of social distancing.
Classified as an essential business as a farm and food provider under Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf’s advisory, Rodale Institute has moved its workshops to an online platform, as well as instituted online ordering and curbside pickup for its plant sales, including the upcoming May sale, its largest of the year.
Pocono Organics, Rodale Institute’s partner at Pocono Raceway in Long Pond, PA, is also adapting to the new normal.
Pocono Organics, who relied largely on restaurant sales, will begin taking online orders on Wednesday, April 22 for “barn-side” pickup at their farm. Customers can shop for certified organic herbs and greens, as well as pork and honey produced by Rodale Institute and organic chicken raised by Bell & Evans.
Now more than ever, it is critical to maintain access to fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting local farms, as well as offer opportunities to continue learning while at home. For many, social distancing guidelines are offering an opportunity to begin an organic home garden, pick up cooking new foods, or learn about a new hobby.
Here are some of the opportunities for virtual learning and socially distant pickup being rolled out by Rodale Institute as they pivot to face the coronavirus challenge:
-- Rodale Institute Plant Sale, Curbside Pickup May 7-9: Pre-order organic plants online or by phone starting April 27th for pickup May 7-9, 10am – 4pm. Learn more at RodaleInstitute.org/Events.
-- Workshops/Webinars: Rodale Institute spring workshops have been moved online. Topics include Organic Gardening 101 (April 29, 2pm), Vermicomposting (May 6, 2pm), and Compost Tea (May 20, 2pm). Learn more and view prior webinar broadcasts at RodaleInstitute.org/Webinars.
-- Pocono Organics Barn-side Pickup: Submit online orders, starting April 22, at PoconoOrganics.com for pickup Wednesday or Friday 12-3pm at the farm (1015 Long Pond Rd, Long Pond, PA 18334).
Workshops and plant sales are typically a key source of revenue for Rodale Institute and its campuses in the spring season. In light of quickly changing circumstances, many nonprofits have had to pivot their processes in order to continue providing services for the public and maintaining their operations.
Virtual learning platforms and the dedication of essential workers still on the frontlines, as well as the support of the public, have been critical to maintaining Rodale Institute’s operations.
As we move into the summer season, other programming like Rodale Institute’s farmers markets, Mobile Market, and farm share formats may need to be adjusted as well.
More workshops, events, and sales will be available in the future.
Learn more and stay updated on event changes at the Rodale Institute website.
[Posted: April 21, 2020] PA Environment Digest
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