The Cracks in Our Local Food System
This month, I made the heartbreaking decision to close Mass Food Delivery. Reflecting on the past four years, I’m reminded of the immense challenges we overcame—and I'm deeply disappointed we couldn’t keep going. The pandemic motivated me try to fill a gap in our local food system. It showed me two things: the value of local food and the difficulty of linking local producers with customers.
March 2020: The Beginning of a Mission
When the pandemic hit, I never expected to become a local food distributor. Mycoterra Farm was thriving, ready to expand—until the world stopped. In the chaos of early 2020, I had no choice but to act. Local food markets were shut down, so I reached out to fellow vendors and overnight launched Mass Food Delivery. We became a vital bridge for many households in Massachusetts. Local food was often their only option.
Our hyper-local model meant no bulk buying, waste, or out-of-season items. But it also meant facing the problem of an inconsistent supply. We made mistakes. But, we also served those in need. We delivered fresh, local food directly to their homes.
The Struggle with SNAP
One of our biggest challenges was processing SNAP payments. We waived delivery fees for SNAP customers, costing us $75,000 a year. This wasn't sustainable. As big-box stores began accepting SNAP payments online, we couldn’t keep up. We remained committed to serving those who needed us most—people with disabilities, transportation barriers, and immunocompromised individuals. We fought to make fresh, local food accessible, even when it came at a loss.
2023: The Hard Decisions
By 2023, we had to charge reduced delivery fees for SNAP customers. This led to a decline in some long-time customers. Yet, new SNAP customers kept joining. They paid $10 to get $40 in produce through the Healthy Incentives Program. However, despite the demand, our costs rose and the overall volume of orders continued to decline. They were below the critical mass needed to cover expenses.
The Hard Truth
Mass Food Delivery exposed the cracks in our food system but showed us it’s not beyond saving. As sales declined, we made the difficult decision to close. Mycoterra Farm is taking on the debts of Mass Food Delivery. So, we owe $100,000 to our local farmers and vendors. These producers helped us in tough times. We will repay them in full.
I’ve crunched the numbers: with our current budget, I can pay $2,000 a week, meaning it will take 50 weeks to repay our debt. But with your help, we can get money to our vendors faster. Every contribution helps, whether it’s through this Fundrazr or by purchasing Mycoterra Farm products at markets, grocery stores, and online. Your investment will not only help settle debts—it will sustain our local food system for the future.
Your Investment Can Strengthen Our Food System
You can support us in two ways:
- Buy Local, Support Local: Buying from Mycoterra Farm products directly supports these vendors. Find us online, at our farm store, or through retailers like Big Y and River Valley Market.
- Donate to Our Fundraising Campaign: These funds will go directly towards repaying our local farmers and producers.
We've made thank-you gifts for contributions, from farm tours to mushroom kits and extracts. Buying our products or donating helps secure the future of local food.
Together, we can leave our food system stronger than we found it.
Perks
Limited edition Mycoterra Farm sticker! This vinyl glossy 4" x 2.6" waterproof sticker features the Mycoterra Farm logo.
Limited edition Mycoterra Farm note cards featuring photos from the farm!
4 - Folded Notecards, 4.25x5.5
Mycoterra Farm certified organic dried mushrooms are carefully dehydrated in our commercial kitchen in small batches. Dried mushrooms are handy shelf-stable additions to any pantry. They are very useful in the kitchen and become delicious soup stocks, mushroom sauces, and even mushroom medicine! They reconstitute in water in just about ~20 minutes and retain all the nutrients and constituents of their fresh counterparts.
The
Medley
is a 2 ounce variety pack of dried Mycoterra Farm
mushrooms - Shiitake, Oyster, and Lion's Mane - for a wide range of
culinary applications and nutritional benefits.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most popular mushroom species for log cultivation. It thrives on thick-barked hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech. These logs provide a robust growing environment and source of food that can yield mushrooms for years.
Plug spawn consists of wooden dowels inoculated with mushroom mycelium, the vegetative stage of the mushroom life cycle. By inserting these plugs into freshly cut logs, you create the perfect environment for mycelium to colonize the wood, eventually producing a bountiful harvest of mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their savory, rich, umami flavor, and are a favorite among home growers and chefs alike.
Mushroom Growing Kits are the perfect way to grow fresh and delicious mushrooms right in your own home! Our kits are already inoculated and include everything you need to get started, including high-quality substrate that has been carefully formulated to provide the ideal growing conditions for flavorful, abundant mushrooms. All you have to do is keep them humid & happy!
Shiitake mushrooms offer a rich fragrance and distinct flavor, making them a culinary asset. They adapt well to various dishes, enhancing the depth of flavor in meats, vegetables, poultry, seafood, eggs, and even baked goods. Whether sautéed, stuffed, roasted, grilled, or pickled, Shiitake mushrooms elevate soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta, and omelets to new heights.
Our growing kits are easy to use and requires no prior experience, you just need a plate to put it on and plant sprayer for watering. Follow the instructions included in the package and watch as your mushrooms begin to grow within just a few days. With proper care and attention, you can expect to harvest multiple flushes (between 2 and 3 pounds!) of nutritious and delicious mushrooms over the course of several weeks.
The Trifecta Mushroom Fruitbody Extract features three mushrooms highly regarded for their health benefits – Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).
This combination of mushroom extract creates a powerful tonic for anyone looking to support their immune system, boost their energy levels and support brain function.
- Lion's Mane is revered for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties, traditionally associated with supporting mental clarity and focus. Its bioactive compounds may promote overall brain health.
- Chaga is known for its rich antioxidant profile, which can support overall immune health and wellness. This mushroom has been traditionally utilized for its potential to help the body manage oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Reishi , often called the "mushroom of immortality," is celebrated for its adaptogenic qualities, which may assist the body in adapting to stressors. Its earthy flavor adds depth to this blend while supporting a sense of calm and balance. Additionally, Reishi may contribute to inflammation reduction, promoting overall wellness.
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our dried mushroom collection includes Mycoterra Farm’s own certified organic mushrooms, carefully dehydrated in our commercial kitchen in small batches. Mycoterra Farm’s certified organic dried mushrooms are a natural, nutritious and delicious way to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. Get the full-bodied flavor you crave with all the healthy benefits that come with choosing our organically grown dried mushrooms.
This bundle includes:
- Dried Shiitake mushrooms
- Dried Lion's Mane mushrooms
- Dried Oyster mushrooms
- Dried Reishi mushrooms
- Dried Medley mushrooms
Lion's Mane mushrooms are known for their potential to support cognitive function, memory, and focus. Their compounds are also being studied for neuroprotective and nerve-regenerative properties, making Lion’s Mane a powerful ally for brain health and overall well-being.*
This bundle includes:
- Dried Lion's Mane, a healthy and delicious pantry staple to support brain health and overall well-being. Our lion’s mane mushrooms are slowly dried at low temperatures to preserve their flavor and ensure an extended shelf life. Popular in tea, broths, stir-fries, soups, scrambled eggs, and even smoothies! Simply soak in hot water for 20 minutes to reconstitute. 1 oz dried can become 6-8 oz of ready-to-cook mushrooms.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Fruitbody Extract is crafted from certified organic fruiting mushroom bodies utilizing a triple extraction process to unlock bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, beta-glucans, hericenones, and erinacines. A very powerful medicinal ally.
- Lion's Mane Grow Kit is easy to use and grow indoors. While rare to find in nature, Lion’s Mane thrives in home cultivation. Lion's Mane is not only prized for its health benefits, but it is a flavor and texture chameleon, often substituted for seafood (crab cakes!) or stewed chicken or roasted veggies.
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Mushroom Growing Kits are the perfect way to grow fresh and delicious mushrooms right in your own home! Our kits are already inoculated and include everything you need to get started, including high-quality substrate that has been carefully formulated to provide the ideal growing conditions for flavorful, abundant mushrooms. All you have to do is keep them humid & happy!
This bundle features:
- Shiitake Grow Kit - one of the easiest mushrooms to grow. Shiitake mushrooms add depth and umami to soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta, and omelets. They can be sautéed, stuffed, roasted, grilled, or pickled, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
- Pioppino Grow Kit - a thick-stemmed, nutty and peppery flavored mushroom. With its meaty texture and earthy undertones, Pioppino mushrooms hold up well in cooking and add depth to various dishes, most notably the Italian classic Pasta con Funghi.
- Lion's Mane Grow Kit - a shaggy, white mushroom which is rare to find in nature but thrives in home cultivation. Lion's Mane is not only prized for its health benefits, but it is a flavor and texture chameleon, whether seafood (crab cakes!) or stewed chicken or roasted veggies.
- Blue Oyster Grow Kit - a fast-growing mushroom perfect for beginner growers and adds a delicious, gourmet touch to your meals. They are extremely versatile and are equally delicious whether they are sautéed, grilled, used in soups or made into risottos.
Our growing kits are easy to use and require no prior experience. Put it on a plate in your kitchen and keep a plant sprayer nearby for watering. Follow the instructions included in the package and watch as your mushrooms begin to grow within just a few days. With proper care and attention, you can expect to harvest multiple flushes (between 2 and 3 pounds!) of nutritious and delicious mushrooms over the course of several weeks.
Not ready to start fruiting your grow kit? No problem! You can keep your mycelium dormant in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Looking for a natural way to support your immune system, boost your energy levels, and improve overall well-being? Look no further than our premium Mushroom Fruitbody Extract Collection!
- 2 oz Lion’s Mane Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Lion's Mane is revered for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties, traditionally associated with supporting mental clarity and focus. Its bioactive compounds may promote overall brain health.
- 2 oz Chaga Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Chaga is known for its rich antioxidant profile, which can support overall immune health and wellness. This mushroom has been traditionally utilized for its potential to help the body manage oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- 2 oz Reishi Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Reishi, often called the "mushroom of immortality," is celebrated for its adaptogenic qualities, which may assist the body in adapting to stressors. Its earthy flavor adds depth to this blend while supporting a sense of calm and balance. Additionally, Reishi may contribute to inflammation reduction, promoting overall wellness.
- 2 oz Trifecta Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Blend of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi).
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Mycoterra Farm!
You'll get a full, hour-long exploration of our facility, where you'll see firsthand how we grow our organic gourmet mushrooms. We’ll answer all your questions, from cultivation to harvesting, so you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of mushroom farming.
As a thank you for your support, you'll get to choose a mushroom growing from our collection to cultivate at home!
Join us for an unforgettable farm-to-table dinner at Mycoterra Farm. We’ll share our gratitude the best way we know how—through delicious food!
Following an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Mycoterra Farm, we’ll treat you to a multi-course meal showcasing our gourmet certified organic mushrooms and other locally grown delights.
Multiple dates are available depending on participation.
Highlights
See all activity105Activity
Limited edition Mycoterra Farm sticker! This vinyl glossy 4" x 2.6" waterproof sticker features the Mycoterra Farm logo.
Limited edition Mycoterra Farm note cards featuring photos from the farm!
4 - Folded Notecards, 4.25x5.5
Mycoterra Farm certified organic dried mushrooms are carefully dehydrated in our commercial kitchen in small batches. Dried mushrooms are handy shelf-stable additions to any pantry. They are very useful in the kitchen and become delicious soup stocks, mushroom sauces, and even mushroom medicine! They reconstitute in water in just about ~20 minutes and retain all the nutrients and constituents of their fresh counterparts.
The
Medley
is a 2 ounce variety pack of dried Mycoterra Farm
mushrooms - Shiitake, Oyster, and Lion's Mane - for a wide range of
culinary applications and nutritional benefits.
Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) is one of the most popular mushroom species for log cultivation. It thrives on thick-barked hardwoods like oak, maple, and beech. These logs provide a robust growing environment and source of food that can yield mushrooms for years.
Plug spawn consists of wooden dowels inoculated with mushroom mycelium, the vegetative stage of the mushroom life cycle. By inserting these plugs into freshly cut logs, you create the perfect environment for mycelium to colonize the wood, eventually producing a bountiful harvest of mushrooms. Shiitake mushrooms are known for their savory, rich, umami flavor, and are a favorite among home growers and chefs alike.
Mushroom Growing Kits are the perfect way to grow fresh and delicious mushrooms right in your own home! Our kits are already inoculated and include everything you need to get started, including high-quality substrate that has been carefully formulated to provide the ideal growing conditions for flavorful, abundant mushrooms. All you have to do is keep them humid & happy!
Shiitake mushrooms offer a rich fragrance and distinct flavor, making them a culinary asset. They adapt well to various dishes, enhancing the depth of flavor in meats, vegetables, poultry, seafood, eggs, and even baked goods. Whether sautéed, stuffed, roasted, grilled, or pickled, Shiitake mushrooms elevate soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta, and omelets to new heights.
Our growing kits are easy to use and requires no prior experience, you just need a plate to put it on and plant sprayer for watering. Follow the instructions included in the package and watch as your mushrooms begin to grow within just a few days. With proper care and attention, you can expect to harvest multiple flushes (between 2 and 3 pounds!) of nutritious and delicious mushrooms over the course of several weeks.
The Trifecta Mushroom Fruitbody Extract features three mushrooms highly regarded for their health benefits – Lion's Mane (Hericium erinaceus), Chaga (Inonotus obliquus), and Reishi (Ganoderma lucidum).
This combination of mushroom extract creates a powerful tonic for anyone looking to support their immune system, boost their energy levels and support brain function.
- Lion's Mane is revered for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties, traditionally associated with supporting mental clarity and focus. Its bioactive compounds may promote overall brain health.
- Chaga is known for its rich antioxidant profile, which can support overall immune health and wellness. This mushroom has been traditionally utilized for its potential to help the body manage oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- Reishi , often called the "mushroom of immortality," is celebrated for its adaptogenic qualities, which may assist the body in adapting to stressors. Its earthy flavor adds depth to this blend while supporting a sense of calm and balance. Additionally, Reishi may contribute to inflammation reduction, promoting overall wellness.
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Our dried mushroom collection includes Mycoterra Farm’s own certified organic mushrooms, carefully dehydrated in our commercial kitchen in small batches. Mycoterra Farm’s certified organic dried mushrooms are a natural, nutritious and delicious way to fuel your body and delight your taste buds. Get the full-bodied flavor you crave with all the healthy benefits that come with choosing our organically grown dried mushrooms.
This bundle includes:
- Dried Shiitake mushrooms
- Dried Lion's Mane mushrooms
- Dried Oyster mushrooms
- Dried Reishi mushrooms
- Dried Medley mushrooms
Lion's Mane mushrooms are known for their potential to support cognitive function, memory, and focus. Their compounds are also being studied for neuroprotective and nerve-regenerative properties, making Lion’s Mane a powerful ally for brain health and overall well-being.*
This bundle includes:
- Dried Lion's Mane, a healthy and delicious pantry staple to support brain health and overall well-being. Our lion’s mane mushrooms are slowly dried at low temperatures to preserve their flavor and ensure an extended shelf life. Popular in tea, broths, stir-fries, soups, scrambled eggs, and even smoothies! Simply soak in hot water for 20 minutes to reconstitute. 1 oz dried can become 6-8 oz of ready-to-cook mushrooms.
- Lion’s Mane Mushroom Fruitbody Extract is crafted from certified organic fruiting mushroom bodies utilizing a triple extraction process to unlock bioactive compounds like polysaccharides, beta-glucans, hericenones, and erinacines. A very powerful medicinal ally.
- Lion's Mane Grow Kit is easy to use and grow indoors. While rare to find in nature, Lion’s Mane thrives in home cultivation. Lion's Mane is not only prized for its health benefits, but it is a flavor and texture chameleon, often substituted for seafood (crab cakes!) or stewed chicken or roasted veggies.
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Mushroom Growing Kits are the perfect way to grow fresh and delicious mushrooms right in your own home! Our kits are already inoculated and include everything you need to get started, including high-quality substrate that has been carefully formulated to provide the ideal growing conditions for flavorful, abundant mushrooms. All you have to do is keep them humid & happy!
This bundle features:
- Shiitake Grow Kit - one of the easiest mushrooms to grow. Shiitake mushrooms add depth and umami to soups, sauces, stir-fries, pasta, and omelets. They can be sautéed, stuffed, roasted, grilled, or pickled, making it a versatile addition to your kitchen.
- Pioppino Grow Kit - a thick-stemmed, nutty and peppery flavored mushroom. With its meaty texture and earthy undertones, Pioppino mushrooms hold up well in cooking and add depth to various dishes, most notably the Italian classic Pasta con Funghi.
- Lion's Mane Grow Kit - a shaggy, white mushroom which is rare to find in nature but thrives in home cultivation. Lion's Mane is not only prized for its health benefits, but it is a flavor and texture chameleon, whether seafood (crab cakes!) or stewed chicken or roasted veggies.
- Blue Oyster Grow Kit - a fast-growing mushroom perfect for beginner growers and adds a delicious, gourmet touch to your meals. They are extremely versatile and are equally delicious whether they are sautéed, grilled, used in soups or made into risottos.
Our growing kits are easy to use and require no prior experience. Put it on a plate in your kitchen and keep a plant sprayer nearby for watering. Follow the instructions included in the package and watch as your mushrooms begin to grow within just a few days. With proper care and attention, you can expect to harvest multiple flushes (between 2 and 3 pounds!) of nutritious and delicious mushrooms over the course of several weeks.
Not ready to start fruiting your grow kit? No problem! You can keep your mycelium dormant in the fridge for up to 2 months.
Looking for a natural way to support your immune system, boost your energy levels, and improve overall well-being? Look no further than our premium Mushroom Fruitbody Extract Collection!
- 2 oz Lion’s Mane Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Lion's Mane is revered for its potential cognitive-enhancing properties, traditionally associated with supporting mental clarity and focus. Its bioactive compounds may promote overall brain health.
- 2 oz Chaga Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Chaga is known for its rich antioxidant profile, which can support overall immune health and wellness. This mushroom has been traditionally utilized for its potential to help the body manage oxidative stress and reduce inflammation.
- 2 oz Reishi Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Reishi, often called the "mushroom of immortality," is celebrated for its adaptogenic qualities, which may assist the body in adapting to stressors. Its earthy flavor adds depth to this blend while supporting a sense of calm and balance. Additionally, Reishi may contribute to inflammation reduction, promoting overall wellness.
- 2 oz Trifecta Mushroom Fruitbody Extract - Blend of Hericium erinaceus (Lion's Mane), Inonotus obliquus (Chaga), and Ganoderma lucidum (Reishi).
*NOTE: These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Join us for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Mycoterra Farm!
You'll get a full, hour-long exploration of our facility, where you'll see firsthand how we grow our organic gourmet mushrooms. We’ll answer all your questions, from cultivation to harvesting, so you’ll leave with a deeper understanding of mushroom farming.
As a thank you for your support, you'll get to choose a mushroom growing from our collection to cultivate at home!
Join us for an unforgettable farm-to-table dinner at Mycoterra Farm. We’ll share our gratitude the best way we know how—through delicious food!
Following an exclusive, behind-the-scenes tour of Mycoterra Farm, we’ll treat you to a multi-course meal showcasing our gourmet certified organic mushrooms and other locally grown delights.
Multiple dates are available depending on participation.
