Stonewood Farms, Lyall Church serve 300 dinners at Christmas

Stonewood Farms, Lyall Church serve 300 dinners at Christmas
Christmas was cold as far as the weather was concerned, but many people volunteered to make it possible for over 300 community members to enjoy a hearty meal and good cheer provided through the efforts of Stonewood Farm and Lyall Memorial Church and generous local donors in and around the Village of Millbrook. Left to right: John Heierman, Stonewood Farm co-founder Tom Kopfensteiner, Susan Hennelly, Ellie Savoy, volunteer; Stonewood Farm co-founder Ken Holzberg, and Rev. Thomas Fiet, Pastor of Lyall Community Church. Photo submitted

MILLBROOK — For the sixth year, people in Millbrook and the immediate area received more than 300 wholesome and delicious meals courtesy of the partnership between Stonewood Farm and Lyall Memorial Church. Local businesses and hardworking volunteers come together at the Christmas season to provide meals to those who might not have a special holiday meal. The community spirit of Millbrook is always alive and well, but there is something about the Christmas holiday that makes hearts a little more tender, and the joy of giving expands even more.

Stonewood Farm and Lyall Memorial Church worked together, organizing the massive task of providing the meals as they have done since 2017, just a year after Stonewood Farm started its First Harvest Pantry in partnership with Lyall Church.

Stonewood co-founder Ken Holzberg said partnering with the church was a natural because of the church’s long-standing focus on social justice and community outreach. First Harvest Pantry reflects its commitment to providing only the best, freshest food to people in need, he said.

Every week throughout the growing season, Stonewood Farm donates a portion of the produce it grows to First Harvest at Lyall Church. It also makes weekly produce donations to the local chapter of Meals on Wheels.

“Despite frigid temperatures, our community came together once again to make this event a great success,” said Holzberg. Volunteers gave their time and energy to package and deliver the meals; they could be picked up at Lyall Church from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m., but for those who could not pick them up, delivery within the village was possible.

Christmas dinner offered choices of two main meals: ham with roasted carrots and scalloped potatoes, prepared and donated by Hunt & Harvest Provisions; and turkey with dressing, mashed potatoes and corn, prepared and donated by Millbrook Diner. Cookies and pies rounded out the festive meal. Volunteers helped with bagging and delivery, and SkyRise Farm donated fragrant bundles of greens to accompany the meals.

Those who donated food included: Babette’s Kitchen, China Tokyo, Iron Furnace, Julien’s, La Puerta Azul, Les Baux, Locust Hill Market, Marona’s Market, Millbrook Cafe, Millbrook Deli, Millbrook Inn, and Salt Point Market.

Funding for the dinner was provided by the Northeast Dutchess Fund of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, the Farm Fresh Food Grant Program of the Community Foundations of the Hudson Valley, and Stewart’s Shops.

In 2021, Stonewood Community Project Inc, a 501(c)(3), was created to expand access to local organic produce and to carry out Stonewood Farm’s charitable and educational mission to fulfill its commitment to build and foster community.

Located at 110 Bangall Road, Stonewood Farm has a farm market where it sells eggs, poultry, produce and flowers, all certified organic; and it hosts on-farm dinners, events and cooking classes throughout the growing season.

The funds raised from these activities directly support the food pantry and other community outreach programs. Donations and volunteers are always welcome.

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