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Farm provides fresh produce for people in need

GLADSTONE — A local farm is working to provide fresh and locally grown produce to people in need.

Gladstone Berry Farm is approaching its 10th anniversary, selling strawberries, pumpkins, potatoes, and much more to the community.

The farm wanted to reach more people, especially those in need.

To do so, the farm recently finished the process of becoming a certified member of the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

“It took a little longer than normal just because the state switched everything over to a card reader, but once we got it, it actually works better, easier, I would say. So, now we’re finally able to take it. We wish we could have taken it sooner just because we could have taken more stuff throughout the year, but we’re still happy that we’re able to offer it,” said Berry Farm Manager Parker Grzybowski. The farm was involved in the WIC program in the past, but a new state program required farmers and other WIC participants to update their systems to allow the new WIC card.

“We couldn’t do it for most of this year because that’s when it first switched over. It was just harder to get everything switched over, but now that we are, hopefully it’ll be easier next year,” Grzybowski said.

He added that the farm wanted to be involved with the program because it benefits the community and provides a fresh, local option.

“I think once the word gets out too that we’re able to take it again in and that farmers are taking it again in the U.P., then I think there will be more people that have it (will) start using it again,” he said.

He said people should consider buying from local farms, like Berry, if they are looking for healthier and tastier produce. While the farm is approaching its 10th anniversary, Parker’s father and owner of the farm, Michael Grzybowski has 30 plus years of experience of strawberry farming in Wisconsin.

Currently, the farm sells pumpkins, cabbage, peppers, squash, onions, potatoes, cauliflower, maple syrup, jams and jellies.

“Pretty much your cold weather crops right now,” Grzybowski said.

The Gladstone Berry Farm is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is located at 7772 County 426 M.5 Road in Gladstone.

For more information, follow the farm on Facebook at Gladstone Berry Farm.

Starting at $2.99/week.

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