Mascho Homestead Farms Fire Relief Fund

Many of you may know the Mascho family.  You may have purchased their amazing grass fed beef and pork products at the Rogue Carrot or at one of the local Farmers Markets in Alfred, Angelica or Belmont. Perhaps, your children have had Mascho beef in their school lunches at Cuba or Hinsdale. This farm is a staple in our local food system right here in Allegany County.

Our friends, Danelle, James (Kink), and Gretchen at Mascho Homestead Farms have suffered a tremendous and unfortunate loss. On May 3rd, a fire engulfed and destroyed two chicken coops containing 60 laying hens, and a 2 bay garage with freezers full of their meat products. Thanks to the Angelica Fire Department and other local Responders who contained the fire, no family members were harmed.

Cause of fire was reported as undetermined but was originated near an electrical outlet. While our friends the Maschos have insurance, not everything that was destroyed by this terrible event is going to be covered by their policy. Friends and relatives have pitched in to help clean up the site, but we want to help them move forward from this tragedy. We want to help them rebuild their garage, purchase new freezers, and grow a new chicken flock.

We grieve the loss of their beloved chickens and of their property. So many small family farms have been affected during this COVID-19 pandemic. We know this is not an easy time for our neighbors, but we can't maintain a thriving local food economy alone. If you have been fed - mind, body, or soul (or eaten samples from their football slow cooker) - please consider giving back to this family in their time of great need.

Their Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maschohomesteadfarms 
Website: http://www.maschohomesteadfarms.com/





HOPE: Gretchen (Danelle's Mom) found a barely live chicken more than a day after the fire. It was hiding under a chopper behind the barn.  The ends of the feathers on its behind were burned off and the bottom of her feet badly burned.  She did not eat for a few days and has just been getting back outside, although she does not walk much.  We call this the miracle chicken and has given the family something to care for.  We have no idea how the chicken got out because of course they were locked in the coop at night.  Thank goodness she has made it so far.  And she has laid an egg.  Small miracles....... <3