This 'open arms' farm stand in Harpursville is increasing access to organic produce
A Harpursville couple gives away squash, zucchini and hugs to visitors to their farm stand.
“They come as strangers and leave as friends,” Jessica Fenescey said of the people who come to their farm stand.
Jessica and her husband, Dan Fenescey, give away vegetables to those who stop at their farm stand located at 2350 state Route 79 in Harpursville. This is their second season of growing free produce at their farm stand known as The Farmology Stand. Last year, they stayed open until the end of October and hope to stay open that long this year.
“We’re kind of going as we’re growing,” Jessica Fenescey said.
She previously worked at a farm in California and is a master gardener, she said.
A disabled veteran who served as part of the Kosovo peacekeeping mission, Dan Fenescey said he’s always enjoyed gardening.
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“I’ve always felt peace and calm when I went into the garden,” he said. “I found it to be a really good meditation.”
He was also concerned about his neighbors, many of whom struggle to make ends meet, his wife said.
“Dan’s vision has been giving away free food,” she said. “He saw the need in the community.”
That’s why they started The Farmology Stand. All vegetables are free except rhubarb. The couple also charges for fruits and herbs but try to keep the prices as low as possible, they said.
The couple has a large garden but not a farm, they said. On some days, they will pick 15 zucchinis.
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“We put it out, and in two days, it’s gone,” Dan Fenescey said.
The couple gets a lot of help from their neighbors. People can donate any excess vegetables they grow. Last year, bugs ate all the couple’s yellow squash. A neighbor donated her own squash to the farm stand all season long.
This year, one woman donated seeds while another woman donated hand crocheted doilies that were given away, Jessica Fenescey said.
“We are firm believers that everyone has their own unique gifts and something to bring to the table,” she said. “The community definitely came through.”
There’s a lot of hard work involved but the couple doesn’t mind, they said.
“It feels good,” Dan Fenescey said. “There’s so many needy people that come in. They’re so happy to put two dimes and three pennies in our donation jar and walk out with handfuls of organic veggies.”
Dan Fenescey said he hopes he’s setting a good example for the couple’s four daughters.
“It’s how I want to live my life, and how I want my kids to see me live my life,” he said.
Every visitor to the farm stand gets a friendly greeting and a hug.
“Everyone is treated the same,” Dan Fenescey said. “I laugh with everyone. It just feels really good to have open arms.”
Veterans sometimes visit the farm stand and enjoy talking to Dan Fenescey, a fellow veteran. One Vietnam veteran came to the farm stand and told him about his experiences during the war.
Before he left, the veteran got a big hug from Dan Fenescey and an armload of zucchini.
More about Dan and Jessica Fenescey
Home: Harpursville
Hometown: Dan is from Windsor. Jessica is from Syracuse.
Family: Four daughters
Career: Dan is a disabled veteran. Jessica sells herbs at the farmstand, runs a summer program for children and is a photographer. The couple is also building an Airbnb.
If You Go: The Farmology Stand is located at 2350 state Route 79 in Harpursville. Hours vary depending on what vegetables are ready to pick but the couple tries to keep it open at least five days a week.
How to Help: Local gardeners with an overabundance of vegetables can bring them to The Farmology Stand where the vegetables will be given away.
More information: Visit The Farmology Stand on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: NY couple widens fresh produce access by handing out what they have
