Nantucket's Food Pyramid
Our farmers have been extolling the virtues of a nutrient dense diet, with lots of healthy, locally sourced vegetables and fruits topping the list of what they grow and offer at our farmstand at 168 Hummock Pond Road, at the Sustainable Nantucket Farmers and Artisans Market, and to our NantucketGrown™ Brand members (chefs, restaurants, clubs, specialty food stores and caterers). Taken together, the berries, apples, and a wide array of locally grown vegetables are raised using organic practices, in soils and compost that are local and OMRI (organic) certified; our locally grown produce is top-notch.
With a new government-driven dietary guideline that replaced the former food pyramid, protein, dairy, and healthy fats now make up one of the top corners of the pyramid, fruits and vegetables are in the other, and whole grains at the bottom. We have really good news!! Access to locally sourced protein is slowly becoming a reality! While we have long had several farmers who have been provisioning our larders with fresh free-ranged eggs, our long-envisioned goal of creating a means for farmers to raise meat birds for commercial sale is finally coming to fruition. Training for chicken processing on a small scale will take place at our farm this spring, with the goal of local chickens for sale on a consistent basis going forward.
Additionally, we have several farmers who have been raising pigs on island! The American Guinea Hog is a heritage breed known for its small size, black coat, and gentle temperament. These pigs are bred by Eat Fire Farm for regenerative land management practices; they control invasive species and prepare the land for farming, while also being prized for their flavorful, well-marbled pork. See what’s available here: https://www.eatfire.farm/pasture-raised-meat.
New this winter is the amazing collaboration between the Nantucket Land Bank and Nourish Nantucket to make local ground venison available at the Food Pantry to supplement the protein needs of their clientele. Joined by Nourish Nantucket, Sustainable Nantucket has led the charge in a first of its kind regional food system assessment for Southeast Massachusetts (along with Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Norfolk and Plymouth counties) using a nationally recognized survey known as CARAT (Community and Agriculture Resiliency Audit Tool). Our Community Advisory Board panels meet twice a month to thoughtfully evaluate the gaps and solutions of our food supply, and we hope to provide a comprehensive analysis along with our other county cohort by late summer.
It goes without saying that Nantucket’s amazing bay scallops and locally raised oysters are also a class unto themselves; our harbors continue to provide an excellent breeding ground, thanks to the stewardship of the Town’s Natural Resources Department, Harbor and Shellfish Advisory Board and Nantucket Shellfish Association.
Our Farm to School team has long championed the virtues of eating healthy food and teaching students about making good food choices through their lessons taught at the Joyce N. Furman Youth Garden at the Nantucket Public School. From free snacks provided by our farmers to handpicked carrots and strawberries from the garden beds, students can taste the difference. Sustainable Nantucket has been donating thousands of pounds of farm fresh produce to the school lunch programs for years to provide island grown produce as an enhancement to the contracted meals served in their cafeterias.
In short, Sustainable Nantucket works hard every day to provide resources to those that are providing for the expansion of locally grown, nutrient dense food for residents and visitors alike. Our mission is to cultivate a Sustainable Nantucket island community by supporting local agriculture, food producers and makers, and informing the next generation on the importance of local produce and eating well. We are passionate about working collaboratively across island organizations to accomplish just that.
All our programs depend on support from our generous donors, foundations, family offices, and grantors who help us achieve our mission every day, and we are beyond grateful for your appreciation of our work. We hope you will continue to help us provide resources for our community and embrace the bounty of what grows on Nantucket. We couldn’t have come this far without your support!
With deep gratitude for your generosity!!