A Thanksgiving table can cover a surprising amount of Rhode Island acreage. In Farm Fresh RI’s Local Harvest Box, Brussels sprouts come from Ward’s Berry Farm, carrots and parsnips from Four Town Farm, mushrooms from RI Mushroom Co., and garlic from Southside Community Land Trust, with more growers filling in the squash, potatoes, onions, and herbs. Packed together, those ingredients make enough food for a holiday meal serving six to eight people, and this year Farm Fresh RI hopes 350 donated boxes will make their way to households across the state.
Each box costs $75, and shoppers can purchase one for their own Thanksgiving spread or donate one through the annual program. Farm Fresh RI will distribute donated boxes through Better Lives Rhode Island and the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center, giving the project a straightforward goal: put fresh, locally grown food on more tables at a time when rising grocery costs have made that harder for many families.
The contents lean into what Rhode Island farms do especially well this time of year. Along with the vegetables already packed inside, each box includes rosemary, sage, and thyme from Allen Farms Organic Farm, plus a turkey rub from Sanctuary Herbs for the centerpiece waiting at home. The turkey itself isn’t included, but five pounds each of white and sweet potatoes should take care of at least one major Thanksgiving responsibility…