An Explosion of Natural Resources

The longer I am in this natural healing journey, the more resources that I am pleasantly surprised to learn of. Yesterday, I attended the Farm to Table Conference in Pittsburgh and enjoyed talking to many vendors about the products and services they offer. I wanted to share some of these with all of you as I believe you may find them to be a valuable resource.

The purpose of this conference is to encourage the connection of local farms and natural providers with consumers who are interested in a healthier lifestyle. Vendors attending included providers of raw, organic milk and organic, grassfed meats, fresh eggs, vegetable/fruit/herb cooperatives. There were vendors who made soaps, salsa, cheese, jams, energy bars, olive oils, wines, and more. Our own, Dr. Bulow, of Revive Upper Cervical, was in attendance, as well as a wholistic dentist. Organizations committed to educating the public about GMOs, humane livestock practices, "gleaning" for food banks, creating chemical free cleaners and personal care products, were available to talk with. Lots of family businesses were represented, including the owners of the Dillner Family Farm CSA, and many of the farmers attend farmer's markets around the Pittsburgh area. One vendor stated that the Sewickley Farmer's Market is an especially nice one.

These would be some of my top picks from the conversations I had in the 3 1/2 hours I spent at the conference. If you don't live near PA, see what is offered below and look for comparable services near you.

Footprints farm: provides top quality meats and heirloom vegetables from a small, sustainably designed farm. They host a spring and fall event for families to visit the farm and are willing to have groups (such as a homeschool fieldtrip) during the spring or fall if arranged ahead of time. Learn more about farmers Jeremy & Ellen Swartzfager at www.footprintsfarm4U.com.

Weatherbury Farm:  offers Grass-fed & finished meats and family vacations. They hope to soon have certification for organic ground flours. Family vacations include working on the farm for a day and learning about farm life. Located in Avella, PA.  Find out more at www.weatherburyfarm.com

Dr. Mark Buzzatto, nutraDentist: Holistic dentistry and nutrition in the Pittsburgh area for 30 years. For more information, call 412-831-9700 or find him on Facebook. 

Women for a Healthy Environment: is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to educate and empower women to act as ambassadors about environmental risks so that they can make healthier choices for themselves and their families, and advocate change for a better tomorrow for all."  They provided some free brochures on toxins and some recipes for natural cleaners (some with essential oils). To learn more, go to www.womenforahealthyenvironment.org. 

Gateway Lodge in Cook Forest, PA: From fireside Jacuzzi suites with a balcony and king-sized bed to rustic forest cabins, Gateway Lodge looks to be a wonderful place to reconnect with nature and unwind. I can't wait to spend some time here. Try a getaway package, such as the Mom's Spa Getaway complete with a two night stay in a suite, wine reception, breakfast and Sunday Breakfast Buffet, and a head to foot massage (hint, hint...). There is a Bed & Brew weekend for Father's Day, a Murder Mystery Weekend (Cathy?) and Wine & Dine Weekends. To learn more, visit www.gatewaylodge.com

Your Family Farmer/The Family Cow: is a family run dairy farm that delivers raw, organic milk all over the state of Pennsylvania (even to Paris, PA). Evidently, raw milk is legal in PA but not in OH, WV, NJ, or other local states. You can learn more about their offerings and drop points on their website, www.YourFamilyFarmer.com.

Frankferd Farms: specialize in growing a wide selection of grains, herbs, spices and provide cheeses, snacks and other items in a large catalog. Deliver all over the eastern side of PA and to Steubenville (Panhandle area) once a month. Delivers to your door if your total order is $300, so families can join together to order (FF will package these orders separately but deliver to one drop point). See an online catalog at www.frankferd.com. 

Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank: How would you like to Glean? Gleaning involves volunteers donating three hours to pick produce after farms have finished harvesting. These "donations" are then sent to the food bank for distribution. If you want to volunteer some time (ages 7, with guardian, or older) visit ww.pittsburghfoodbank.org or call 412-460-3663 x301. Weekdays or weekends in June through December.

Tait Farm Foods: I had a very interesting conversation about Shrubs at this table. Shrubs are family friendly drink mixers that make everything from an old fashioned fruit spritzer to fancy cocktails. I learned that it is an old English invention and means "acid food drink".  Original shrubs were vinegar based and aided digestion yet were low in sugar. Also available from Tait Farms are condiments, sauces, oils, vinaigrettes and gift collections. Check them out at www.taitfarmfoods.com.

Animal Welfare Approved: This organization is nationwide and audits, certifies, supports and promotes family farmers raising their animals humanely, outdoors on pasture or range. The AWA food label gives consumers peace of mind that animals are treated humanely even as they sacrifice themselves for our use. (I recently watched the movie "Vegecated" which was a shocker for me in realizing many of the practices in the raising and slaughtering of animals). Learn more at animalwelfareapproved.org. 

Obviously, this only scratches the surface, but hopefully it peaks your curiosity and encourages you to take a fieldtrip or try a local service. 

Which of these most interests you? Does this list inspire you or motivate you in any way?