In February, we shared the news of the Friends’ work, with the support of the Town, to explore the repurposing of the former West Granby United Methodist Church into a facility to expand our farming programs. That work continues, and while no decisions have been made, what we have learned is that, if all the pieces come together, this opportunity would be transformative for Granby’s own Holcomb Farm.
The vision that is emerging includes several exciting elements:
- First, we envision a post-harvest production facility – known as a Wash & Pack – allowing us to process winter and greenhouse produce throughout the winter. As this article is being written (mid-February), our crew is working in the cold and snow to prepare the final pick-up of our sold-out Winter CSA. This year, the number of Winter CSA shares we were able to make available were limited more by our ability to process them than they were by what we grew. This new facility would enhance working conditions year-round; and would enable us to significantly increase the amount of local, chemical-free, nutrient-dense, fresh produce we could make available to our customers throughout the winter. Imagine having access to fresh, local greens all winter long.
- In addition, the repurposed building offers the potential for a year-round retail Farm Store, stocked with our own produce as well as products from other local producers, and perhaps even artists and craftspeople.
- Staff break rooms and office are sorely needed. With very little renovation, the church’s former offices and classrooms could be reborn.
- Finally, a lovely “parlor” and large kitchen suggest additional possibilities for both the Friends and other community partners.
So, where are we now? Behind the scenes, projections are being made, estimates secured, and numbers crunched. Grants are being sought, and some quiet fundraising is taking place. The building itself, which was left fully furnished, is being cleaned out. We have invited other nonprofit organizations to take whatever they could use. Here are just a few examples:
- Granby’s Congregational Church found bibles, music, and similar items it could use.
- Several pre-schools, including Granby’s Valley Preschool and Auer Farm’s new “Discovery Barn” found furnishings and toys to enhance their programs.
- ReStore, which supports Habitat for Humanity, took a truckload of chairs and tables, and even a refrigerator, destined for new lives in new homes.
- The Granby Senior Center will be repurposing an industrial meat slicer and some other kitchen items in its new kitchen.