U.S. or Not?

With regard to recent world events, notably those close to home, we have been receiving the odd inquiry from customers whether we are considering not sourcing products  from the U.S., but rather give preference to countries such as Mexico, Central and South America.

While we are generally hoping for a prompt resolution amenable to everyone affected by these occurrences, we would also like to share our perspective for your discretion.

Regarding sourcing products, notably fresh fruits and veggies from countries other than the U.S., we have always been giving preference to Canadian-made products and produce that is grown as close to home as possible, favouring especially local and regional products. Of course, we are doing this more intently now, although getting products from outside the U.S., especially at this time of the year, can be very challenging. Essentially, the market and customer demand will tell us which way to go, as we feel we should nonetheless honour our customers' free choice and free will.

Save our Farmland!

It's not often that we say something on our Blog - unless it's good to know or pretty important.

"Saving our Farmland" seemed to be a matter important enough to be pointed out here.

We already talked about this in more depth in June's Newsletter, if you would like to know more.

As you can read in the local support group's site, the Region of Waterloo wants to acquire 770 acres of agricultural land for so far unknown industrial purposes - this at a time of rapidly diminishing agricultural land, which is not endlessly available, and in a "vibrant, welcoming countryside community with a rich history rooted in agriculture" (according to the township's official site).

There are many more considerations, such as environmental and groundwater concerns, potentially considerable traffic congestion, and overall far-reaching challenges for the sustainable management of this long-established agricultural region. If this happens here, it can happen anywhere!

Celebrating 30 Years Pfenning's Organic & More: 1993-2023!

Honestly, we did not see the time fly by, but it was 30 years ago that Almut took over the then Pfenning's Farm store - and look what became of it today!

You can read more about it in our About Us page, and in the article pasted below from the Sept. 14th, 2023 edition of the local newspaper, the Wilmot-Tavistock Gazette (on page 23).

Come celebrate with us if you are in the neighbourhood and have an organic Coffee for $1.00 (till the end of the month).

Thank you for supporting our independent family business,

Wolfgang, Almut, Aurélie, Barnhild, Kate & Bethany

What's in Season in Ontario in July?

Sharing another nice image showing what's in season in July in our neck of the woods:

Some of these are yet to come, but with the weather being what it is, this shouldn't take too long.

Happy height of summer,

Wolfgang

Bringing it Home!

Most of you Food Box customers don't see him, but Wolfgang drops off many of your Boxes early in the morning, when you are still fast asleep. When you wake up, your delivery is there - fresh organic fruits, veggies and anything you may have been anticipating - even fresh Bread (only for K-W deliveries) from Golden Hearth Bakery.

Check out Wolfgang on one of his early-morning delivery runs.
 

What's in Season in Ontario in June?

While doing some searching and updating on social media, I stumbled over this handy image suggesting what's in season right now:

Some of these are yet to come, and rain will continue to be a decisive influencing factor, but we're patient!

Have a joyful June,

Wolfgang

Good-bye, Mutti!

We are sad to share with you that, after eighty-four years, Barnhild Pfenning – Almut’s mother who was now living on the Hack Farm near Kincardine under the loving care of her oldest daughter, Elke and her husband, Martin (we wrote about this in our last Newsletter # 272) – has unexpectedly relinquished her physical presence on this earth.

Mutti (or mommy), as she was lovingly called by her children as well as her sons and daughters-in-law, was the heart of the family and the soul of the Pfenning’s Farm for many decades. For all of us, she set an example of what it’s like to nonchalantly excel at a task – especially hoeing – and be manifestly happy doing so at the same time. It was in 1981 when Mutti came to Canada with her husband, the late Wilhelm Pfenning, and their four children, three of whom were underage. They all worked diligently and steadfastly as a whole family  towards establishing what became known as Pfenning’s Organic Vegetable Farm – a very pioneering organic farming venture for the time in Canada. Mutti, with the help of her family, also ran the farm store which was open a couple days a week for customers to buy their lettuce, carrots, potatoes and more, right off the farm. This is the little out-of-the-barn farm store that became Pfenning’s Organic & More when Almut took it over in 1993 (you can read more about that here).

In our Store, we have been striving ever since to keep the qualities and the spirit alive that Mutti embodied and that are still flourishing within our midst: friendly and accepting of everyone and everybody, diligent, hard-working, alternative-minded and – together with her husband, Wilhelm – always supportive of the natural, holistic and non-invasive, non-coercive approach, with an indomitable
joy for life.

During the time we were honoured with Mutti’s presence here on earth, we – Mutti, Almut and our daughter, Barnhild, named after her grandmother (and sometimes Wolfgang too) – were so fortunate to spend some leisure time with her on the island resort in her beloved Cuba. For many years, Mutti and Wilhelm travelled to Cuba, as circumstances permitted, for some relaxation time away from the ever-pressing duties which she lovingly embraced, yet was thankful to briefly replace with a well-earned vacation in this tropical paradise.

Needless to say, Mutti always left her mark – be it in Cuba or wherever she was. It was the mark which defined her as an authentic human being: portraying her steadfast and unperturbed presence as a genuine expression of caring and
mindful humanness.

Mutti, we all dearly miss you!

Public Health Policy

Public Health Policy at Pfenning's Organic & More - the Store

Please, be assured that at Pfenning's Organic & More we strive to comply with general public health policies at all times, including those enacted in response to the COVID situation, and concurrently implement evidence-based health and safety measures to keep our health food store safe and sanitary for the benefit of our valued customers. We also acknowledge and respect exemptions to the masking mandate outlined in the by-law - as well as in its amendment - and in compliance with the emergency orders of the Province of Ontario.

We suggest you take a closer look at the following resources at your own discretion. They will present you with perspectives that you may not be aware of and that may also have considerable bearing on your health.

• Mask Facts: The Science and History of Masks in Medicine

• 20 Reasons Mandatory Face Masks are Unsafe, Ineffective and Immoral

• The Face Mask Debate: Do Public Mask Mandates Curb the Spread of COVID-19?

• Dr. Hodkinson Interviewed by Randy Hillier

• Jim Meehan MD’s TOP 10 Reasons Why You Don’t Need a Mask

• Effects of Mouth and Nose Covering (Mask) in Children

• Danger of Masks (esp. in Seniors) by Impeding Visual Field

• Dr. Fauci et al: No Asymptomatic Transmission – Masks Not Recommended

• Non-Medical Masks and Face-Coverings; Public Health Ontario page : Check Note at bottom of page!
• 3 Frontline Doctors speak out on Medical Cenosrship

Wishing you all health, sanity and the open-mindedness to judiciously take note of the presented perspectives.

With sincere devotion,

Wolfgang

Introducing: The BITZI Box!

Agreed, we are not champions of the Blog. However, to resurrect our tarnished Blog reputation, we must maintain that our regularly sent out Newsletters - Veggies on Wheels, our monthly Home Delivery Newsletter, and Almut's weekly Store News and Specials update - have attained more importance than a simple Blog. We do also seem to get more response and feedback through these Newsletters, which you can always subscribe to here if you haven't yet.

There is, however, the introduction of a NEW Food Basket which we would like to make you aware of.

Introducing: The BITZI Box!

We are introducing this Box as an answer to all of our customers who may at times be overwhelmed by the sheer amount of produce coming to you in our regular small and large-sized Baskets. The BITZI Box has only about 6-8 items and - as all Boxes - is planned new by Almut every week. It can include LOCAL AND IMPORT produce, mostly veggies and some fruit, and costs ONLY $20.00 - just enough for a single or small household.

So don't be overwhelmed, go ahead and try the BITZI Box!

Grieving Andreas Pfenning

The Pfennings family is grieving the tragic loss of Andreas Pfenning, Ekk and Jennifer Pfenning's oldest son (24) and Almut and Wolfgang's nephew.

If you would like to offer your condolences, you may do so here.

A heartfelt thank you to all for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Wolfgang, Almut & the Pfennings Family