SOUTH DEERFIELD — As spring approaches, Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) has opened enrollment for its 2021 “Be a Local Hero, Buy Locally Grown” campaign. Businesses have until March 31 to sign up to become a member.
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced businesses of all types to re-examine and adapt their practices, and that includes CISA, which is offering members sliding scale payment for this year, according to Local Hero program manager Devon Whitney-Deal. As the pandemic continues to impact farms and businesses financially, CISA hopes offering sliding scale membership fees will encourage food businesses to enroll so it can continue to provide them with the resources and support that Local Hero members have come to expect.
Whitney-Deal said CISA currently has 367 members throughout the Pioneer Valley. Members typically renew their $150 membership each year — the year runs from April 1 through March 31.
She said CISA decided to offer the sliding scale membership fee this year because after working very closely with with its members since the pandemic began, managers realized COVID-19 has caused hardships for many of them.
CISA has supported and promoted local food in the Pioneer Valley through its Local Hero program for more than 22 years, and members can use its Be a Local Hero logo to promote their products.
To find out more about the benefits and services of the program, or to join and be a Local Hero, visit bit.ly/3bCjZjb or call 413-665-7100, ext. 22.