Supporting Farmer Wellness on Cape Cod
Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod launches a new initiative to strengthen farmer health and community
Cape Cod’s farmers do essential work every day, feeding our communities, stewarding our landscapes, and supporting our local food system. This year, Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod (BFBLCC) took an important step to support their wellbeing.
In June, BFBLCC received an additional $18,400 from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) through the new MassGrown Wellness program. These funds are helping launch BFBLCC’s Farmer Wellness Program, an effort focused on supporting the physical and mental health of the people who grow our local food.
A Night of Connection and Care
On June 25, 2025, BFBLCC hosted a Farmer Wellness Dinner at the Sagamore Inn in Bourne. Nearly 100 attendees joined the event, including farmers, food producers, market managers, and regional health care partners. The goal was simple but meaningful:
- Build community
- Create space for networking
- Introduce upcoming wellness programs
Every farmer received a wellness backpack filled with practical tools and information including sun and tick protection resources, stress-management tips, hydration reminders, mental health materials, and addiction recovery information. These items were curated based on real challenges local farmers face in the field and beyond.
The evening ended with an interactive storytelling activity. Even with just a few volunteers, it sparked small group conversations among attendees about shared experiences, stressors, and the need for ongoing support.
Help Shape the 2026 Wellness Programs
Your voice matters. Farmers who attended the dinner and those who could not are invited to weigh in on what wellness programs would be most helpful in the year ahead. Early feedback shows strong interest in:
- Monthly wellness meet-ups
- A new peer-to-peer support network
Your input will directly guide program planning so these initiatives reflect what farmers truly need.
If you work in agriculture, please take a few minutes to fill out the Farmer Wellness Survey.
Your insights will help us build programming that is relevant, meaningful, and supportive of your day-to-day life.
Take the Farmer Wellness Survey:
https://www.menti.com/altdq62emo6n
Stay Updated
Follow Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod on Facebook for updates! Learn more about our programs at www.buyfreshbuylocalcapecod.org
Cape Cod Cooperative Extension: Working for You
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Learn more about all our programs at capecod.gov/extension.
