Learn More About Locally Grown Food During October

October provides opportunities to learn more about locally grown food, where it is available, how to prepare it and what to do with it afterwards. The Town of Clarkstown, Rockland County Department of Health and the Clarkstown School District joined together to educate residents about buying, preparing and enjoying locally grown produce. The activities are part of New York State’s Farm to You Fest marking the harvests throughout the state. Here are some local events to enjoy.

• Farm to Fork in 40 minutes

Learn how to incorporate local seasonal produce into everyday meals with flavor and nutritional benefits. Michelle Kleinman, Rockland County Department of Health registered dietician, teaches the class, which is limited to 15 attendees. The program for Clarkstown residents only is Wednesday, October 5 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Street Community Center, 31 Zukor Road, New City. It costs $5 for adults. Call 845-639-6200 or go to online to reserve a spot.

• What Do You Do With All That Squash?

Find out how to cook the many different types of squash with quick and easy recipes provided by Lisa Caccamise, from Simple Earth Cuisine. Get ideas for your Thanksgiving feast. The program takes place on Thursday, October 6 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at the Street Community Center for Clarkstown residents only. It costs $5 for adults and is limited to 15 people. Register at 845-639-6200 or online.

• “Farm to You Fest”

Bring the family to pick pumpkins, enjoy local cider, kid-friendly activities and music. Take a tour of Cropsey Community Farm and learn about composting, wild foraging and local food production. The Fest takes place at 220 South Little Tor Road on Sunday, October 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. The rain date is Sunday, October 16. For information, contact: info@rocklandfarm.org. 

• Buy Your Compost Bin

Purchase a compost bin for $55 at the Fire Training Center. The Rockland County Solid Waste Management Authority sells the bins in conjunction with Household Hazardous Waste Drop-off Day. Only cash or checks accepted. Get instructions from the staff on how to compost at home and get a free kitchen scrap bucket with pre-registration. Send an email to info@rocklandrecycles.com with subject line "compost bin." The compost bin sale takes place at the Fire Training Center located at 35 Fireman’s Drive in Pomona on Sunday, October 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

• Valley Cottage Farmer’s Market Harvest Fest

Enjoy the fest with a fire truck and ambulance on display, children’s story time, and market tours. Watch a cooking demonstration and learn how to select, wash and prepare seasonal local foods for your table. Visit the fest on Sunday, October 23 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1 New Lake Road, Valley Cottage. The rain date is Sunday, October 30. Contact “The Little Bake Shop” at 845-268-5511 for more information.