I'm writing you with a really special request: one of our suppliers (and my former employers) Keswick Creamery from Cumberland Co. is in crisis mode trying to raise money pronto to keep their cows and most of their farm from being sold off—like as in $200,000 by mid month. Crazy right? I hope not, because after mid-month, their cows and machinery will be sold followed by the farm being put for auction. Once it goes for auction it will most likely not be bought right away but the family that has been running it for nearly 40 years may or may not be able to buy it.

If this farmstead goes off the map not only does the Farmstand (and Weaver's Way & Kimberton Whole Foods) lose delicious pudding, ricotta, quark and numerous raw milk cheeses but PA will lose invaluable members of the sustainable community in the Deitrich Cochran family. What Keswick is proposing is that patrons purchase Cheddar Notes, essentially shares that are like savings accounts or a CD, only with a better every 6th month interest return of 3.5%.

What the family is too shy to mention is that they are also awesome members of the sustainable community and buy supporting them we are helping support PA’s deliciousness and sustainability quotient manifold. Last year they founded a now thriving co-operative called Natural Newburg to help bring the goods of not just Keswick but all their immediate six sustainable neighboring family farms as well to the greater Philly area. Over the years Mark and Mel have pushed the development of raw artisinal grass-based dairy in PA and the region by teaching others farmers (and interns) how to get started. They have been very active organizers and donors for PASA (Pennslyvania Assocation for Sustainable Agriculture), who for many years have put on the largest conference on sustainability on the east coast. We feel the benefit of PASA as Philly area consumers every time we purchase from some new farmer who learned “x” new growing method or taste a new cheese from a dairy farm who took a cheese cave building class at PASA.

From the farmers:

Dear Friends,

Would you like to make a profitable investment in a worthwhile (and credit-worthy) small-scale, local enterprise? Buying a “Cheddar Note” from Keswick Creamery is a great way to accomplish this. Since 1974, my parents have been dairy farming and milking registered Jersey cows.

In 1996, my husband, Mark and I graduated from Virginia Tech, his degree is in English and mine is Dairy Science. In 1997 we returned to the family farm to start Keswick Creamery. We made our first cheese in February 2001 and started selling at the Dupont Circle Freshfarm Market in late fall of 2001.

My parents are divorcing and my father wants to “cash out” his half of the farm, quickly. Mark and I would like to buy his share of the farm to continue farming and making cheese here, and are seeking investors to help through the sale of interest-bearing Cheddar Notes. Rather than paying all that interest to the bank, we would much prefer to pay it to you, our friends and customers. The relationship is mutually beneficial: we provide you a return on your investment at a rate higher than your bank pays you, while we receive financing for a lower rate than our bank would charge us.

A Solid and Growing Business:
We think we are a safe bet for investors. My mom has been dairy farming for thirty-six years and we have been operating Keswick Creamery and farming alongside her for ten years. We are family farmers in South Central Pennsylvania, milking dairy cows and producing a variety of cheeses, fresh and aged in our own licensed cheese plant right here on the farm. We are farming organically and humanely. We are in this business full-time and support ourselves (and our daughter) on it alone. In 2009 we sold over $250,000 of cheese. We currently employ (in addition to family) one full time and three part time people from our local community. We have deep roots here and intend to stay. The farm, equipment and processing plant and equipment have a value of over $800,000. We continue to become more productive each season and continue to diversify. Cheddar Notes will allow us to continue our vision here.

The Wax on Cheddar Notes:
A Cheddar Note comes in the form of a “demand note”. This means that the money lent is payable at any time you request, in one lump sum. (The actual language on the face of the note is “On demand we jointly promise to pay…”) Buying a note is easy to do: simply send us a check and we will mail you a signed note. To keep our bookkeeping manageable, we offer Cheddar Notes only in $500 increments. On December 1, 2010 and every six months thereafter we will pay interest—currently 3.5% annually—on the amount you have invested. The rate of interest we pay is tied directly to current money market rates, and will be adjusted every six months beginning December 1. Along with each interest payment, you will receive a new note bearing the adjusted rate. It’s as straightforward and uncomplicated as we can make it.

If you would like more information about Cheddar Notes or about our business, feel free to call. We’d be glad to talk with you about all of this. We hope you see this as a great opportunity to invest in your local farmers, get a better rate than your savings account, and put your money to work for the cheese and pudding you love to eat. We hope to hear from you soon.

Sincerely yours,

Mark and Melanie Dietrich Cochran
717-440-4650, keswick@pa.net
keswickcreamery.com

For all special and bulk order inquiries, please contact Emily Gunther, Product Manager at emily@fairfoodphilly.org.

When not otherwise labeled, all produce is grown without the use of conventional fertilizers or pesticides.

THE COMMON MARKET, Philadelphia, PA - WEDNESDAY & FRIDAY
IPM Jonagold Apples (Weaver's Orchard)
Leeks (Flaim Farm)
Asparagus (Dante Spina)
Strawberries (Cassaday Farm)
Green Zucchini (Cassaday Farm)
Yellow Squash
Cucumbers

GREEN MEADOW FARM, Gap, PA
Asparagus
Mesclun Mix
Rhubarb
Snow Peas
New Red Potatoes

KAUFFMAN'S FRUIT FARM, Bird-In-Hand, PA
I.P.M. Stayman Apples
I.P.M. Crispin/Mutsu Apples
I.P.M. Empire Apples

LANCASTER FARM FRESH COOP, Quarryville, PA
Organic Baby Chioggia Beets
Organic Purple Broccoli
Organic Garlic Scapes
Organic Green Romaine Lettuce
Organic Troutsback Lettuce
Organic Red Butterhead Lettuce
Organic French Breakfast Radishes
Organic Red Radishes
Organic Easter Egg Radishes
Organic White Scallions
Organic Baby Shallots
Organic Hakurei Turnips

LANDISDALE FARM, Jonestown, PA
Organic Bright Lights Chard
Organic Green Chard
Orgainic Spring Garlic
Organic Red Leaf Lettuce
Organic Sugar Snap Peas
Organic Rhubarb
Organic Baby Zucchini
Organic Gold Zucchini

MOTHER EARTH MUSHROOMS, West Grove, PA
Organic Cremini Mushrooms
Organic White Button Mushrooms
Organic Portobello Mushrooms

OH! PRODUCE, Kempton, PA
Certified Organic, Hydroponic
Micro Greens - Rainbow Mix, Arugula, Southern Mix

OVERBROOK HERB FARM, Lansdale, PA
Herbs – Bay Leaves, Rosemary, Sweet Marjoram, Oregano, Thyme, Sorrel, Chives, Spearmint

PARADISE ORGANICS, Paradise, PA - TUES & FRI
Organic Gold Beets
Organic Red Beets
Organic Cauliflower
Organic Lacinato Kale
Organic Curly Kale
Organic Collard Greens
Organic Arugula
Organic Spring Mix
Organic Baby Spinach
Organic Asian Mix

All animal products are humanely-raised without the use of sub-therapeutic hormones and antibiotics.

BIRCH RUN HILLS FARM, Chester Springs, PA - more Saturday!
Humanely and Pasture Raised Veal
Ground Veal
Veal Scallopini
Veal Chops
Veal Cubes
Bockwurst-tasty veal and pork grillers

BUCK RUN FARM, East Fallowfield, PA
Black Angus Grass-fed Ground Beef
Beef Grillers
Dr. Bill's Bully Beef

COUNTRY TIME FARM, Hamburg, PA
Pork Chops
Pork Cutlets
Pork Tenderloin
Country Ribs
Baby Back Ribs
Mild Italian Sausage
Chorizo Sausage
Scrapple

GREEN MEADOW FARM, Gap, PA
Family farm and local small farm distributor offering naturally-raised turkeys, grass-fed beef and pastured pigs, as well as wide range of produce and dairy products.
Sweet Beef Bologna – Grass-fed, All-Natural
Double-Smoked Country Bacon
Canadian Bacon - Cured and double smoked pork loin, ready to eat

GRIGGSTOWN QUAIL FARM, Princeton, NJ 
Chicken Pies - Small & Large
Chicken Sausage - Granny Smith, White Wine & Herbs, Broccoli Rabe, Sundried Tomato
Turkey Pies -Small & Large
Turkey Burgers with Caramelized Onion
Ground Turkey
Whole Chickens
Poussin
Pheasant
Quail Eggs

JAMISON FARM, Latrobe, PA 
Stew Meat - from the shoulder
Ground Lamb
Kebab Meat
Spinach and Feta Sausage
Plain Sausage
Sukey's Lamb Pies - limited
Lamb Stock – available by special order

LANCASTER FARM FRESH COOP, Lancaster, PA
Organic Ground Bison
Organic Bison Patties

MEADOW RUN FARM, Lititz, PA  - TUES
Diversified family farm focusing on grass-fed lamb and beef, pastured poultry, and heritage-breed Berkshire pigs.
Whole Chickens
Stewing Chickens
Chicken Necks & Backs - OUT
Ground Lamb
Lamb Loin Chops
Lamb Rib Chops
Lamb Cubes
Lamb Organs (Tongue, Heart, Liver)
Ground Pork
Chorizo Pork Sausage
Italian Pork Sausage with Rosemary
“Boston Butt” Pork Roast - available by special order
Bacon – uncured pork belly, available by special order
Bottom Round Beef Roast – available by special order
Beef Brisket – available by special order
Lard

NATURAL ACRES FARM, Millersburg, PA
Organic Ground Beef
Organic Beef Cubes
Organic Sirloin Steaks
Organic Delmonico Ribeye Steaks
Organic Porterhouse Steaks
Organic Marrow Bones
All Natural Ground Beef
All Natural Sirloin
All Natural Skirt Steak
All Natural Ribeye
All Natural Porterhouse
All Natural Beef Hot Dogs

SHADY ACRES FARMS, Elizabethtown, PA - TUES
Small family farm raising pastured poultry whose diet is supplemented with all-natural locally grown grain.
Boneless Chicken Breast
Bone-In Chicken Breast
Chicken Legs & Thighs - out until next month
Chicken Organ Meats - available by special order!

All products come from pastured animals.  We are proud to carry artisinal cheeses from local farms. Please ask for a sample.

BIRCH RUN HILLS FARM, Chester Springs, PA
'Birchrun Blue' Cheese - raw cow's milk, cave aged, 80+ days
'Highland Alpine' Cheese - raw cow's milk, cave aged, likened to a Gruyere
'Fat Cat' Cheese - raw cow's milk, super creamy!
'Red Cat' Cheese - a washed-rind version of the Fat Cat - OUT

CALKINS CREAMERY, Honesdale, PA
Pocono family farm that makes a wide variety of tasty raw milk cheeses from their herd of grass-fed Holstein cows.
‘1841’ – an impressive ode to havarti, creamy and tangy, wax rind
‘Cowtipper’ – a decadently soft gouda-style wheel brined in Sierra Nevada Pale Ale, wax rind
‘Vampire Slayer’ – cheddar-style cheese bursting with garlic, red onion, ginger and paprika
‘Smoke Signal' - an applewood smoked Gouda style cheese

CHERRY GROVE FARM, Lawrenceville, NJ
Toma Primavera– raw milk, aged 60 days, washed-rind
Herdsman – raw milk, crumbly and full flavored with subtle grassy finish
Shippetauken Blue - a strong, salty, crumbly blue - OUT
Maidenhead - semi-soft, stinky cheese, washed in Flying Fish beer - OUT

DUTCH WAY DAIRY, Meyerstown, PA
Double Cream - quarts and pints

GREEN MEADOW FARM, Gap, PA
Raw Milk Cheddar - very sharp and crumbly

KESWICK CREAMERY, Newburg, PA
Raw milk cheeses from grassfed Jersey cows, hand made using traditional methods.
Lesher – a rich, depthful British-style cheese with wax rind
Mad Tomme- peasant-style cheese
Vermeer – bright gold aged gouda-style cheese with natural rind, slightly nutty
Wallaby – bright and sharp, intensely likeable- already a staff favorite!
Feta – incredibly rich with hint of sharpness, lusciously addictive
Blue Sued Moo – creamy, subtle blue
Chocolate Pudding– creamy and classic! Made with pasteurized milk from their grass-fed Jersey cows
Quark – fresh cheese made with pasteurized cow’s milk, spreadable with a light tang, a flavorful (and much lower fat) version of cream cheese
Fresh Ricotta

KINGFISHER DAIRY, Elizabethtown, PA
Raw dairy products from the milk of Jersey cows
Raw Whole Milk
Raw Milk Colby

LANCASTER FARM FRESH, Quarryville, PA - TUES, FRI
Organic Raw Milk - from grass-fed Dutch Belted cows
Organic Smoked Cheddar - made with raw milk and vegetable rennet
Pennsylvania Noble - Certified Organic raw cow's milk cave-aged in the Cheddar-style
Chocolate Milk
Buttermilk
Smoothies – a variety of flavors
Certified Organic Brown Eggs - from pasture-raised hens
Fresh Goat Chevre- plain & assorted flavors

LERAYSVILLE CHEESE FACTORY, LeRaysville, PA
Udder Delight - A semi-soft cow milk cheese
Smokey Delight - A smoked version of the Sommelier
Portolet – Low sodium, low cholesterol cheese that melts wonderfully (about half the fat of Cheddar)

MEADOW RUN FARM, Lititz, PA
Pasture Raised Brown Eggs
Pasture Raised Blue Eggs – limited quantities

NATURAL BY NATURE, West Grove, PA
Organic Half-and-Half
Organic Non-homogenized Milk - in glass, whole & 1%
Sour Cream

NATURAL MEADOWS FARM, Mt. Pleasant Mills, PA
Heritage Breed Chicken Eggs – gorgeous multicolor eggs from pastured hens
 
OAK SHADE FARM, Lancaster County, PA
Made with raw milk from grass-fed Holstein cows
Horseradish Cheddar
Pepper Jack Cheese

PECAN MEADOWS FARM, Newburg, PA
Goose eggs
Duck eggs

PEQUEA VALLEY DAIRY, Ronks, PA
Made with milk from grass-fed Jersey cows
Yogurt - plain and flavored, in both quart and 6 oz sizes

SEVEN STARS FARM, Phoenixville, PA
Made with organically certified milk from grass-fed Jersey cows
Biodynamic Maple Yogurt
Biodynamic Vanilla Yogurt
Biodynamic Lowfat Maple Yogurt
Biodynamic Lowfat Plain Yogurt
Biodynamic Plain Yogurt

SHELLBARK HOLLOW FARM, West Chester, PA
Dry Sharp Goat Cheese
Goat Yogurt
Goat Kefir
Goat Ricotta - available by special order!

SWISS VILLA DAIRY, Lykens, PA
Raw Whole Milk from Brown Swiss cows - in returnable glass bottles

TRICKLING SPRINGS CREAMERY, Chambersburg, PA - THURSDAY
Certified Organic Salted Butter - made with milk from Jersey cows raised on pasture year-round on Shankstead Ecofarm.
Certified Organic Unsalted Butter - made with milk from Jersey cows raised on pasture year-round on Shankstead Ecofarm.
Certified Organic Chocolate Milk - yum.

TWIN MAPLE GOAT DAIRY, Millersburg, PA
Raw Goat Milk

VALLEY SHEPHERD CREAMERY, Long Valley, NJ
Cave aged cheeses from raw sheep and Jersey cow’s milk
Oldwick Shepherd - mold ripened sheep’s milk, cave-aged 3-4 months - OUT
Shepherd’s Basket - mold ripened sheep’s milk, cave-aged 4-5 months, traditional basque-style
Crema de Blue - decadently creamy mixed-milk blue that the farm calls the "ice cream of the blues"-OUT
Califon Tomme - mixed cow and sheeps milk, creamy and tangy, cave-aged 3-6 months - OUT
Valley Thunder - an old world, English-style, cloth-bound cheddar

From small local farms and food companies using local and/or organic ingredients.

AMARANTH BAKERY, Lancaster, PA - NOW on TUES and FRI!
Gluten-Free Baked Goods
Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Carraway Rye Bread
Flatbreads

BETTER TOGETHER (BT) BROWNIES, Philadelphia, PA
Decadent treats made with local cream and butter from grass-fed cows, pastured eggs, organic flour and evaporated cane juice, and fair-trade chocolate.
Chocolate Brownies
Half & Half's (half cookie, half brownie)
Peanut Butter Brownies

BETTY'S TASTY BUTTONS, Philadelphia, PA
Artisan sweets made with fresh butter and milk, local honey and herbs, organic sugar, and fair-trade chocolate.
Handmade Goats Milk Fudge – 9-piece gift boxes

THE COMMON MARKET, Philadelphia, PA
Canned Crushed Tomatoes – 100% Jersey Grown!

COUNTRY TIME FARM, Hamburg, PA
Barbeque Sauce

DAISY ORGANIC FLOURS, McGeary Organics, Lancaster, PA
Organic All Purpose Flour, white
Organic All Purpose Flour, whole wheat
Organic Bread Flour
Organic Whole Wheat Pastry Flour
Organic White Pastry Flour
Organic White Spelt Flour
Organic Whole Wheat Spelt Flour
Organic Whole Spelt Grains

FOUR WORLDS BAKERY, Philadelphia, PA – THURS PM
Spelt Levain – made with locally grown spelt
Whole Wheat Challah – made with organic whole wheat & white flour
Multigrain
Egg Challah
Caraway Rye
Cranberry Walnut
French Pan Levain

GREENWOOD KITCHEN, Lansdowne, PA
Gluten-free, wheat-free, vegan treats made in small batches using Organic ingredients when possible.
Macaroons - Orange Ginger, Chocolate Fudge, Vanilla Almond
Walnut Fig Granola

GILDA'S BISCOTTI, Philadelphia, PA
Biscotti - Chocolate Hazelnut, Candied Orange & Almond, Almond Anise, Lemon Fig, Dad's Midnight Stash

HALDEMAN MILLS, Manheim, PA
Buckwheat Flour
Wheat Germ Meal
Cornmeal – Toasted, Plain

HEALTHY VISIONS BAKERY, Manheim, PA
Gehman Granola – flaky granola that tastes like an oatmeal cookie! All-natural ingredient list includes coconut, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, butter, honey and molasses. No refined sugar.
Coconut Cranberry Walnut Cake – gluten-free cake based on coconut flour, sweetened with honey. Light and lemony.
“Good For You” Pecan Pie – individual-sized pie packed with nuts and sweetened only with brown rice syrup. Crust is made with whole spelt flour and coconut oil.
“NRG Granola Bars”- all-natural, vegan, wheat & soy free, sweetened with rice syrup. Flavors include: Blueberry Almond & Chocolate Peanut Butter

HELEN'S PURE FOODS, Cheltenham, PA
Hummus - Plain, Garlic Lovers, Sun-Dried Tomato, Jalapeno and Roasted Red Pepper
Baba Ghannouj
Carrot Tofu Tahini Spread
Vegetarian Chicken Salad

JOHN & KIRA’S CHOCOLATES, Philadelphia, PA
Honey Caramel Bee Boxes – Exquisite, hand-painted chocolates filled with salted caramel that has been spiked with aromatic basswood honey

LANCASTER FARM FRESH CO-OP, Quarryville, PA
Sauerkraut, shelf stable
Hot & Mild Relish, shelf stable

MAINE SEA SALT, Marshfield, Maine
Hickory Smoked Sea Salt – smoked over a wood fire, large crystals
Apple Smoked Sea Salt – smoked over a wood fire, sold in grinder!
Herbed Sea Salt – seasoned with thyme, marjoram, sage, fennel, and lavender
Sea Salt – 1 lb & 8 oz bags

OAK VIEW ACRES, Lancaster, PA
Organic Canned Beets

PARADISE HILL FARM, Vincentown, NJ
Dried Heirloom Cranberries - lightly sweetened with agave or unsweetened
Frozen Cranberries

PATTERSON FARMS, Sabinsville, PA
Maple Sugar
Grade A Maple Syrup, Amber & Dark
Grade B Maple Syrup

RAY'S SEITAN, Philadelphia, PA
Seitan, frozen

SYLVIA'S BAKERY , Millersburg, PA
Spelt & Tater Bread
Energy Blast Granola
Cranberry Craze Granola
Spelt Maple Pecan Sticky Buns

SARAH’S SAVORIES, Philadelphia, PA
Vrapple – tasty vegan breakfast treat, the antidote to scrapple

SIW VEGETABLES, Chadds Ford, PA
Raspberry Butter
Tomato Sauce
Ketchup

SLOW RISE BAKERY, Lancaster, PA
Organic Oat Bread
Spelt Bread
7 Grain Bread
Multigrain Bread
Whole Wheat Bread
Organic Sprouted Wheat
Organic Walnut Raisin Bread
Four Seed Cookies
Lavosh

SUBARASHII KUDAMONO, Coopersburg, PA
Dried Asian Pears

TEMPL FOODS, Florence, NJ
Michael's Savory Seitan

THIS LITTLE PIGGY, Lancaster, PA
Baby and toddler foods made with the finest local & organic produce, packaged in corn-starch based containers. Because these foods are made without the use of preservatives, the Farmstand will sell them frozen. Special orders for bulk amounts welcome.
Baby Food - Stage 1: Pear, Sweet Tater
Baby Food - Stage 2: Beet & Sweet Tater, Cauliflower & Carrots, Sweet Tater & Kale

THREE SPRINGS FRUIT FARM, Aspers, PA
Canned Local Peaches - lightly sweetened & unsweetened
Pear Butter - limited

WILLS VALLEY FARM, Kutztown, PA
Organic Raw Sauerkraut -14 and 30 oz. jars - OUT
Organic Raw Red Cabbage -14 and 30 oz. jars - OUT

Back to top >