Belmont - The Alfred Farmers Market has started a GoFundMe
Campaign to help one of Allegany County’s local meat producers, Mascho
Homestead Farms. Many of you may know the Mascho family. You may have purchased their amazing grass-fed
beef and pork products at the Rogue Carrot or at one of the local Farmers
Markets in Alfred, Angelica or Belmont. Perhaps, your children have had Mascho
beef in their school lunches at Cuba or Hinsdale. This farm is a staple in our
local food system right here in Allegany County.
Danelle, James (Kink), and Gretchen at Mascho Homestead
Farms have suffered a tremendous and unfortunate loss. On May 3rd, a fire
engulfed and destroyed two chicken coops containing 60 laying hens, and a two-bay
garage with freezers full of their meat products. Thanks to the Angelica Fire
Department and other local responders who contained the fire, no family members
were harmed. The cause of fire was reported as undetermined but originated near
an electrical outlet. While the Maschos have insurance, not everything that was
destroyed by this terrible event is going to be covered by their policy,
approximately a $40,000 gap.
Friends and relatives have pitched in to help clean up the
site, but the Alfred Farmers Market wants to help them move forward from this
tragedy. Their fundraiser will help them rebuild their garage, purchase new
freezers, and grow a new chicken flock. So many small family farms have been
affected during this COVID-19 pandemic. Obviously, this is not an easy time for
our neighbors, but we can't maintain a thriving local food economy alone. The
Alfred Market asks if you have been fed - mind, body, or soul (or eaten samples
from their football slow cooker) - please consider giving back to this family
in their time of great need. You can do so by donating through GoFundMe at
https://www.gofundme.com/f/mascho-homestead-farm-fire-relief-fund or simply by
writing a check to the Alfred Farmers Market with the word Mascho in the memo
line. This can be mailed to PO Box 142, Alfred Station, NY 14803. Please email
marketmanagerinalfred@gmail.com with any questions.
