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October 2020 Newsletter

I have recently begun reading Pope Francis’ new encyclical Fratelli Tutti: On Fraternity and Social Friendship. In one of the first paragraphs, Pope Francis names St. Francis of Assisi as an inspiration for writing the document. Specifically, he cites the saint’s visit to Sultan Malik-el-Kamil amidst the Crusades. In a time of great hostility between Christians and Muslims, St. Francis’ actions revealed a belief that “all forms of hostility or conflict be avoided and that a humble and fraternal ‘subjection’ be shown to those who did not share his faith.” This scene, and the document as a whole, may be powerful antidotes to the anger and anxiety felt by many in today's polarized environment. In a certain way, this act of humbling oneself occurs on the farm every day. Our volunteers come with a range of political and religious beliefs, but together they serve as brothers and sisters who share a common home and a desire to help the most vulnerable. So, in the coming weeks, let us remember St. Francis’ appeal to his fellow brothers “not to engage in arguments or disputes, but to be subject to every human creature for God’s sake.”
In gratitude,

Matt Jones
Farm & Outreach Coordinator

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What's Growing

Broccoli nearly ready for harvest
There has been a beautiful stretch of fall weather this month, so our cool-weather crops have been very happy! We have started harvesting our fall broccoli and cabbage and will soon harvest several varieties of cauliflower and kale. Beds of spinach, arugula, and kale have been planted this month, with the intention of harvesting over the winter or even in early spring if they are able to survive. As the days continue to shorten, plant growth will decrease significantly. 
Full bed of arugula
Cabbage heads
Despite the fact that it is nearly November, we have still been harvesting around 200 pounds of tomatoes every week this month. It appears our harvest of warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplant is finally coming to an end, however, given that the temperature may drop below freezing this weekend.
Hakurei turnips
Romaine lettuce
Finally, this month we planted a hedgerow of native shrubs on the border of one of our vegetable plots to serve as a windbreak and provide diverse habitat for birds and insects. The shrubs planted include chokeberry, Virginia sweetspire, buttonbush, arrowwood viburnum, and winterberry, among others. We are very grateful for all who generously supported us in this project, especially the volunteers who helped plant, individual donors, and Lauren's Garden Service & Native Plant Nursery!

New Farm Apparel

Navy blue Little Portion Farm sweatshirt
With the weather getting colder and the holidays around the corner, we thought it was a perfect time to offer Little Portion Farm long-sleeve shirts and sweatshirts! We are selling this apparel through a site called Bonfire, which allows us to raise money without purchasing the inventory. The shirts will be shipped directly to you after the campaign ends and they are available in a variety of colors (each piece of clothing is available in different colors so be sure to view all options). The window to purchase ends on November 16th, so don’t wait to buy one! 
See what's available!
Cardboard
If you ever find yourself with a lot of cardboard boxes laying around, please bring them to the farm! We use a lot of cardboard as a mulch material in various ways, so we’d greatly appreciate anything you can provide. The only exceptions are cardboard with a waxy surface and/or cardboard with a lot of colored ink, as these contain toxic chemicals. Cardboard can be dropped off right next to the green portable restroom. If you have any questions, you can email Matt at matt@littleportionfarm.org

A Story of Two Franciscan Organizations

Candace Blase, one of the farm’s dedicated volunteers, recently set out on a mission to learn more about the diverse range of people involved in the collaborative work between Little Portion Farm and the Franciscan Center of Baltimore. In seeking the ways in which spirituality permeates and motivates this work, she listened to the stories of numerous volunteers and staff members and heard what meaning they draw from it. In the end, she has woven each of these unique threads into a beautiful tapestry that tells the broader story of how soil and seed transform into sustenance and nourishment. This story was recently published in Acting Franciscan, so please check it out!
Read the story

Food for Thought

Fall colors in and around the farm

When I rise up
let me rise up joyful
like a bird.

When I fall
let me fall without regret
like a leaf.

-Wendell Berry
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Copyright © 2020 Little Portion Farm, All rights reserved.

Little Portion Farm is a ministry of the Franciscan Friars Conventual, Our Lady of the Angels Province.

Visit us at:
12280 Folly Quarter Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042

Contact us at: 
(443) - 585 - 8005 or info@littleportionfarm.org

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