by Judy Nudleman, Volunteer Writer
Moonrose Farm’s retail stand, open on the weekends from spring to fall, is a treasure. A visit to 88 Mason Street in Rehoboth, MA — only 15 minutes from Providence and a short drive off of route 6 — provides a cornucopia of exquisite offerings. The farm stand features chemical-free produce, pasture raised eggs, flower bouquets, baked goods, and plants in season. The baked goods are created by co-owner Melissa Denmark, a former executive pastry chef at fine restaurants.
On a recent visit, there were slabs of Kalamata focaccia and pastries too good not to eat immediately. The produce is unique ‐ the farm produces both common and unusual crops. On a recent stop, the stand had Bok choy, Tokyo lettuce, early radishes, a large variety of
fresh baked goods, eggs, honey, and more. As their CSA slots fill early, it is an opportunity to purchase the farm’s goods that should not be missed. The quality and variety are superb.
Melissa Denmark and Jordan Goldsmith started their farm in Dartmouth, MA, in Jordan’s family’s front yard before leasing farm land in Cranston, RI. After four years in Cranston they purchased the seven-acre property in Rehoboth, MA, and opened Moonrose Farm Stand in 2020. The farmers are dedicated to chemical-free food, local produce, and land stewardship. They are committed to sustainable farming practices and creating opportunities for volunteering and education. They offer a unique work-share program, which provides education and volunteer opportunities in exchange for a CSA portion. The minimum commitment is four hours in a given week. The ability to learn, engage, and earn a CSA share through volunteering is one of the many ways the farm and the farmers demonstrate their commitment to their
neighbors and the community.
Among other sales avenues, the farmers sell their produce through Farm Fresh RI’s Market Mobile local food distribution service. It benefits the farm by enabling them to reach customers beyond their local area — getting orders out throughout RI, Boston and the islands — as well as reaching customers who utilize SNAP/EBT benefits.
The farm also grows flowers, and offers both retail bouquets as well as full-service floral design for weddings. Their CSA slots go quickly. CSA members in Rehoboth are able to choose their share from available produce and baked goods at the stand, personalizing their share.
Moonrose Farm’s mission statement summarizes their commitment to the land and community:” Moonrose Farm harmonizes feeding the land and feeding the people. Our mission is to raise chemical-free food for our community while stewarding the land we farm. We foster nurturing relationships with our neighbors based on education, health, and unity.” The farm has an organic plant sale in late May.
Moonrose Farm has myriad offerings: chemical-free produce, outstanding baked goods, eggs, honey, flowers and the opportunity to work and learn. The co-owners have created a resource that enriches both the local and larger community. Their website is comprehensive and beautiful: moonrosefarm.com.
The farm offers many options that enrich the community and encourage involvement with the farm, the farmers and the land, the retail farm stand, CSA and/or work-share. A visit to the farm is an opportunity to enjoy Moonrose’s unique, high quality, sustainably grown products while supporting this resource for the local and wider community.
