Secret Vegan Kitchen in Oceanside is strengthening its commitment to locally sourced ingredients through a new partnership with Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s in Malverne, purchasing fresh greens and seasonal produce from the nonprofit farm as both organizations continue to promote Long Island agriculture.
The collaboration connects one of Nassau County’s newest vegan restaurants with the county’s only working farm, allowing Secret Vegan Kitchen to incorporate more freshly harvested ingredients into its menu while supporting a nonprofit dedicated to sustainable farming, education and community outreach.
“With the Cyclospora outbreak, we just felt that it was a little bit safer to buy our produce from a local farm,” Tiffany Gordon, Secret Vegan Kitchen owner said, “so we knew exactly where it came from and that it was safe for our customers.”
The restaurant has traditionally purchased produce through a Long Island distributor. Going forward, owners plan to continue working with that distributor while regularly supplementing their menu with greens and seasonal crops grown at Crossroads Farm whenever they are available.
“It’s always better to support small local farms,” she said. “You’re getting the freshest stuff, and you know where it’s coming from.”
The partnership also reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting local farms. Although Secret Vegan Kitchen is a relatively new addition to Oceanside’s dining scene, its owners were already familiar with Crossroads Farm and had established relationships with members of the organization before opening their brick-and-mortar location.
For Crossroads Farm, the partnership advances its mission of connecting local farms with local businesses while expanding access to fresh, locally grown food. Located about 10 minutes from the restaurant, the nonprofit already supplies produce to several restaurants, organizations and community partners throughout Nassau County.
“Locals supporting locals is everything that Crossroads stands for,” farmer operations manager Michael D’Angelo said. “We’re going to supply them with as much and whatever they need.”
Partnerships with local restaurants strengthen Long Island’s regional food system by shortening the distance between where food is grown and where it is served, while helping residents support local agriculture.
The collaboration also comes as consumer interest in locally grown produce continues to increase. Crossroads Farm officials said more shoppers have been seeking food grown close to home, with many looking for greater transparency about where their produce comes from and how it is cultivated.
Unlike many larger agricultural operations that rely on surface water for irrigation, Crossroads Farm draws water from a deep well connected to Long Island’s aquifer. Farm officials said the water source, combined with the farm’s smaller scale, allows for close oversight of growing and harvesting practices. As with all fresh produce, fruits and vegetables should still be washed before consumption.
For Crossroads Farm, the collaboration represents another opportunity to demonstrate how local farms and local businesses can work together to strengthen the community, support sustainable agriculture and keep more Long Island-grown food on local tables.
For more information on Crossroads Farm at Grossmann’s, visit XRoadsFarmLINY.com.
