Hilltop Hanover Farm Offers Thanksgiving Vegetable Baskets

 will be accepting dried beans, flour and rice donations for Food Bank For Westchester from now until Dec. 10.

In addition, it will be selling Thanksgiving vegetable baskets, each containing seasonal favorites for $45. There will be a mix of all or some of the following vegetables: cabbage, leeks, collards, kale, broccoli, turnips, radishes, beets, celeriac, fennel, carrots, potatoes, Brussels sprouts, butternut squash and herbs.

Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm president Helen Brady said the baskets were offered for the first time last Thanksgiving, which were popular among people looking for local, organic, seasonal vegetables. 

"A Thanksgiving Basket from Hilltop is a wonderful way to share the harvest and joy of the season, and give thanks to local farms and farmers," she said. "We are also delighted to continue our tradition of accepting food donations on behalf of Food Bank of Westchester, during the weeks leading up to the holiday season."

Over the last two years, the Farm has donated more than 5 tons of farm fresh produce to area food pantries," Brady said. 

"Highlighting the plight of the hungry in our area and providing for them is a priority for us," she said.

The 187-acre Westchester County owned crop farm and environmental center is located in Yorktown Heights. The farming production and educational classes are managed by the Friends of Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center Inc., a non profit, tax-exempt organization, in cooperation with the County of Westchester. 

In 2011, farm crop production included a 100 member, 20-week, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program; a Farm Stand, the region's only vegetable U-Pick and produce donations to the regions food banks.  

Thanksgiving Baskets, must be reserved in advance and will be available for pick-up at Hilltop Hanover Farm, 1271 Hanover Street, Yorktown Heights on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011.

Reservations for the baskets can be made by calling the farm office at (914) 962-2368. 

A note from Hilltop Hanover Farm and Environmental Center: It improves the health of our community and environment through sustainable farming practices, promotes local food systems and food security, supports watershed and environmental stewardship, provides environmental and agricultural education, and preserves the agricultural heritage of Westchester County and the Hudson Valley. We cultivate accessible and affordable organic food for our community, demonstrate sustainable living, and provide educational resources on agriculture and the environment for current and future generations.