Alyssa VanDurme of Field of Love Farm

The 396th recipient is Alyssa VanDurme of Field of Love Farm in Sheffield, MA. Alyssa writes:

What self-care and well-being mean to me as a farmer: “To me, self-care and well-being in farming means that I am taking the necessary time to tend to my physical and emotional bod. Well-being is when my body is able to respond positively to the physical demands of the job, and my mind is at a peaceful state where the stress of farming can be tolerated and not paralyzing. It is also important to me to have a supportive community of other farmers around me, and that I can show up as a supportive community member for them.”

How I might use this $100 self-care award: “A $100 award for self-care would help with maintaining a routine with my chiropractor. As much of my work growing vegetables by hand is backbreaking, I have been seeing a chiropractor weekly to maintain proper functionality of my spine and ensure that I can keep doing this work. Each visit costs $75 and is not covered by insurance, and the cost for this essential physical maintenance is really starting to add up. I would also love to be able to attend yoga classes and do strength-training in the off-season, so my body stays flexible and strong through the winter, and jumping back into the demands of spring is not so physically taxing.”

Most important self-care needs that contribute to my well-being as a farmer: "Maintaining practices that care for my body, like chiropractic care and acupuncture on a routine schedule so that I am maintaining resilience and overall wellness in my body and not just treating problems later down the road. They are also moments where I can just relax, connect with my body and allow someone else to care for me, which is rare!”

#realfarmercare