My husband is a passionate cook and it's my job to keep the supply room and refrigerator stocked with all the finest ingredients. We eat like kings. Being part of the coop makes the job much easier and much more exciting in the growing season. I also enjoy sharing the site volunteering and pick-up with my two little kids. They've learned at an early age the importance good food has in our lives.  It's important to us to pass on these values of eating wholesome food, supporting local agriculture, maintaining open spaces, and being part of a community.  When I'm not eating or talking about food, I teach middle school German.

Candy is a life long resident of Marblehead (except for college and short stint in Boston post college) and is thrilled to be part of Farm Direct Co-Op. She recently joined the family business and works as an accountant in town with her father, Jim Bishop at Bishop Associates where she specializes in Tax and Business Consulting. Candy hopes that her financial experience and education, including an MBA and MST, will greatly benefit the board. She enjoys spending her down time cooking and getting outside with her family. The goal for this year is to convince her 2 year old daughter that it’s okay to try vegetables that she has never seen before.

Melanie is a knitter, swimmer, birder and veteran garlic planter.  A California native, she grew up with the following trees in her back yard: avocado, guava, fig, macadamia nut, cherimoya, lemons, limes, peach, and apple. She is adventurous—enjoying traveling and fearlessly trying just about any unusual fruit or vegetable. The check-out clerk at the grocery store is always holding up Melanie’s latest choice of produce and asking, “What IS this?

I joined the FDC in 2000, shortly after moving to Beverly from upstate NY. At the time, my husband, Steve, and I had a 2-year-old and a newborn, and for several summers, the children and I spent many Thursday afternoons hanging out and looking at the train cars at the Salem Depot. I served briefly on the board in 2005 but stepped down when our family had the opportunity to move to New Zealand for one year. In 2007, we moved to Marblehead and rejoined the co-op at the Marblehead Depot. A former journalist, I first learned about CSAs in 1992 when working as a freelance writer in Fort Collins, CO. I was inspired by the multiple missions of CSAs: preserving local farmland, supporting small business, protecting the environment, building a sustainable economy, and providing healthy, fresh foods to families. I currently work as a public relations writer and editor in the non-profit sector. My family includes Steve, Will, age 11, and Laurel, age 8. I am excited to increase my invovlement with the FDC and my commitment to healthy, sustainable, ecologically friendly living.

I have been an FDC member for 15 years and co-founded the organization with my wife Sarah. In the past I served as President and Treasurer. I have been involved with many non-profits over the years but FDC is my personal favorite. We have an inspirational mission and are a real force in our regional food system. I am grateful to be involved.

Jessica has been a Melrose member of the Farm Direct Co-op since it was run as a “test site” for just 2 pickups out of a friend’s driveway. She has been actively involved ever since working to help make the Co-op a permanent establishment in Melrose. She first became interested in the benefits of locally grown produce watching a friend’s “garden club” produce fresh organic produce in the backyard where she and her husband used to live. Since moving to Melrose, she has welcomed the opportunity to receive a variety of locally grown fruits and vegetables from the Co-op and continues to spread the word of their superior quality and taste. She especially enjoys her children’s enthusiasm as they wonder “what’s in season this week?”

As a member since 1997, I have grown to love the coop and all it stands for. Over the last 12 years I have developed a strong commitment to sustainable agriculture through years of depot volunteering, education, other cooperative member’s passion and of course the fruits and vegetables. As a mother of 3 young children I understand the value of knowing where your fruits and vegetables come from. Years of volunteering have taught my children to enjoy, eat and grow all kinds of produce. The back yard gardener in me also treasures the delicious veggies I cannot grow in my backyard.