Pivoting and Partnering for Carryout During COVID — Moon Valley Farms Insights with Emma Jagoz

Introduction

In the span of a few days, Emma Jagoz, owner and farmer at Moon Valley Farms, transformed her entire operation to meet urgent local needs. One Thursday her farm supplied top restaurants across the Baltimore, D.C., and Frederick areas. By the following Tuesday she had opened her CSA early so her neighborhood could access fresh, safe produce. She also partnered with local organizations to provide shares to restaurant workers who had lost their jobs. This rapid pivot is remarkable, but perhaps even more impressive given Emma’s background: she launched Moon Valley Farm in her parents’ backyard with two children under two, and over nine years grew it to serve as many as 100 restaurants and 250 CSA members. Emma consistently finds ways to give back — and she invites her community to join her.

Highlights

• Launched the farm while raising two children under two
• Grew from a backyard plot to serving 100 restaurants and 250 CSA members
• Views food access as central to broader inequities
• Pivoted over a weekend from 100% restaurant sales to opening the CSA early
• Implemented new procedures to keep employees and customers safe
• Partnered with community organizations to provide shares for out-of-work restaurant staff

Listen to Emma Now

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About the Carryout in COVID Series

With confusing and sometimes conflicting guidance coming from many directions, it can be hard to reconcile the desire to support small, local businesses with the need to stay home and limit virus spread. How can we help restaurants and food producers without increasing risk? To explore that question, this series shares stories directly from owners, farmers, and journalists navigating the crisis. Each episode presents a different perspective on how food businesses adapt, survive, and serve their communities.

More “Carryout in Covid” Episodes

How to Connect with Emma at Moon Valley Farm

Website: Moon Valley Farm

Instagram: @moonvalleyfarm

Facebook: www.facebook.com/moonvalleybaltimore

How to Find and Support Emma’s Partners in Providing Fresh Food to Out-of-Work Restaurant Workers

Friends and Family Meal DC: friendsandfamilymeal

Friends and Family Meal on Instagram: @friendsandfamilymeal

Woodberry Kitchen Website: Woodberry Kitchen

Woodberry Kitchen on Instagram: @woodberrykitchen

How to Find Meghan Bakes Cookies

Thanks to Meghan for connecting me with Moon Valley Farms and for brightening my days with her beautiful designs.

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