Welcome to Member Monday, SEMAP’s series spotlighting our many incredible member businesses across the southeastern Massachusetts food system. From farmers and fishers to grocers, brewers, value-added producers and more, there are so many great people working to make our agricultural system strong, and SEMAP is proud to support each of them and have them join our partnership.
Our first Member Monday of the 2023 season features Skinny Dip Farm.
Started in 2011 by Ben and Hannah Wolbach, Skinny Dip Farm grows certified organic vegetables, flowers and herbs on roughly six acres of land in both Westport, MA and Little Compton, RI. The farm team includes Hannah and Ben, six employees and two (sometimes helpful) young kids.
Ben and Hannah began farming as teenagers, falling in love with the challenges and meaning they found in farm work. Both born and raised “Massholes,” they met in California working at a school garden before returning to Massachusetts in 2006. After a few years living in Cohasset and farming at Holly Hill Farm, they found their farm home in Westport.
While they have decided to stay small and serve their local community, their business has expanded over the years, now featuring seven greenhouses and lots of storage crops. This scale is somewhat by design, as Skinny Dip Farm’s mission is largely built around serving their neighbors. As Hannah puts it, “we have always been more interested in selling to our local community instead of driving hundreds of miles into a city.” Of course, doing this requires the community to come out and support its farmers. “It’s not easy to farm around here,” explains Hannah. “If you want small farms to exist, you’ve got to put your money where your mouth is, and support your local small farms.”
During the peak summer months, they’re most excited about grilling vegetables – think about the great smell and taste of grilled summer squash, peppers, eggplant and onions. “We keep it really simple. Slice veggies into big slices, coat in olive oil and salt, and grill until tender. Serve it up with some good bread, and that’s really all you need for a fabulous summer dinner!”
We’re happy to call Skinny Dip Farm SEMAP members! Make sure to find them at the Westport Farmers’ Market, Plymouth Farmers’ Market, or you can purchase a CSA or Farm Credit for the Fall! And when you do, let them know how much you appreciate all their work!
To learn more about SEMAP membership, head over to our membership details page. You’ll find information on the three levels of membership, benefits available, and details on how to join as a SEMAP member.