Stretches of extreme heat are becoming more common in Massachusetts, with this summer breaking records as the hottest on record in the Boston area. We are already navigating our second heat wave this month. While dangerously high temperatures cannot halt our work, they deeply impact how we operate to feed thousands of neighbors each week. 

To protect our farm crew, we shift the workday to start and end earlier, provide ample hydration and shading breaks and adhere to protocols to keep our staff safe. For our volunteers, we strictly enforce shade and hydration breaks. When forecasts predict 90+ degree weather, we cancel volunteer sessions entirely to eliminate health risks.

Our crops also demand extra care during prolonged heat. While many summer varieties thrive in the sun, we must actively mitigate heat buildup by installing shade cloth on our greenhouses and high tunnels, as well as removing protective row covers in the fields. Farming ultimately requires constant adaptability and creativity, and we are fortunate to have an abundance of both on our hardworking team.