Looking for a way to improve your next summer barbeque or picnic? Pick up some poultry from
HEAL Farms. Opening for business on July 1st, HEAL farms sells organic, pasture-raised chicken.
“When we say pasture raised, we mean animals that are out in the sunshine, pecking and scratching the earth for insects and earthworms, eating a large palate of vegetation, with exercise and fresh air, ” explained Adam Mason, founder of HEAL Farms.
A California native, Mason relocated to Pennsylvania to start HEAL Farms. “My life’s passion is growing food,” explained Mason. A graduate of the California State Polytechnic University, Polynoma, he earned his degree in Plant Science with a Pasture Management focus. His education equipped him with the tools needed to start pursuing his life passion: healthy food that helps others.
As for helping others, this part of his dream was inspired by a trip to Haiti in 2010. Having visited a local orphanage, Mason was taken aback by the poor conditions. Lack of funding left the orphanage with inadequate lighting, food, and beds filled the space. His concern followed him back to the United States.
“I thought, ‘no child in the world should have to live like this.’ ” That’s when HEAL (Holistic Educational Agricultural Learning) was born.
“HEAL(Holistic Educational Agricultural Learning) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit that provides impoverished communities the knowledge and resources to develop agricultural systems for self-sustaining aid,” explained Mason. Through the work of HEAL, in-need communities are given the tools needed to build a sustainable source of income and food. “It is better to teach someone how to fish instead of giving them fish,” he added. How? HEAL works to introduce self-sustaining systemslike aquaponics, goat training, and more. These communities, once given education and tools, are able to produce enough food to cover their own needs and more. Selling excess fish and vegetables helps HEAL communities generate revenue, and continue to improve their quality of life. The orphanage that inspired Mason, through the help of HEAL, now is able to grow and provide food of their own.
Follow HEAL on Instagram to stay up to date with their work in communities around the world. Current projects include aquaponics, goat training, and more.
HEAL and HEAL Farms
Photo Credit; HEAL Farms Photo Credit; HEAL Farms
At HEAL Farms, a potion of all sales are donated to HEAL. Sale proceeds help fund the initiatives carried out by HEAL, and removed reliance on donors to make HEAL a success.
In addition to helping HEAL, Mason wants to help the community by giving them a poultry option that is sustainable, environmentally friendly, and healthy.
The pasture raised chicken is “higher in iron, antioxidants, omega-3, and has a lower omega 6:3 ratio,” compared to non-organic chicken. Ready to try? Currently, just chicken is for sale. Turkey will be available for fall ( just in time for Thanksgiving!). Future plans include pork and lamb. Purchase poultry on their website.
Stay up-to-date with HEAL Farms on Facebook and Instagram.
This content was provided by a local, independent contributor to Made in PGH, a lifestyle blog.