12 - Southpoint Sun
Wednesday, October 28, 2020
Local farm delivers 26,000 food boxes to Windsor-Essex KINGSVILLE The COVID-19 pandemic has led hundreds of Windsor-Essex and Chatham-Kent families away from the grocery store — instead relying on the home delivery of locally grown fruits and vegetables. This week, Lee & Maria’s On-Farm Market Delivery Service will deliver the 26,000th subscription box of the 2020 season. During the pandemic’s height, in April and May, the service delivered over 1,100 subscription boxes weekly. “We are unbelievably proud of our team,” said Jennifer Perciballi, Vice President of Delivery Services. “Like everyone, 2020 was a challenge. We had to relearn how to build and pack deliveries during a time when the elimination of cross-contamina-
tion became the most important part of our business.” The amount of produce delivered in 2020 from Lee & Maria’s farm and other surrounding farms and businesses is significant. The top 10 crops for the year include: 30,680 beefsteak tomatoes 26,041 cucumbers 25,680.5 pounds of new potatoes 20,716 foil potatoes 20,028 ears of sweet corn 19,451 heads of lettuce 17,018 pints grape tomatoes 15,694 packs of mushrooms 13,044 bunches of broccoli 11,955 bunches of green onions. “Along with our own 40 acres of crops, we sourced produce from nearly 20 different farms across Essex and Kent Coun-
IN MEMORIAM
ties,” said Kathy Mastronardi, Vice President Market and Wholesale Sales, who oversees buying. “It was a challenge at times because of the volume of produce we require.” Along with produce, the box also contained products from 32 local producers, including items from restaurants and small businesses impacted significantly by the pandemic. “It was great to be able to provide those businesses who saw a slowdown in business with an additional outlet for their products,” said Mastronardi. Since the beginning of 2020, Lee & Maria’s has hired nearly 15 additional full-time and part-time staff. The jobs were created during the early days of the pandemic when most businesses in the region were laying off staff.
IN MEMORIAM
In memory of a dear wife, mother and grandmother
ROBERTA METZ
In Loving Memory of My Son
Lovingly remembered by Ron, Rick & Jan and family, Brent & Linda and family. IN MEMORIAM
IN MEMORIAM
RobeRt John oRsini October 28th, 1988
February 17, 1938 - October 24, 2011
This day is remembered and quietly kept, No words are needed, we never forget.
“It was a difficult time to hire ber 30. The on-farm market will a team, but we were excited remain open through the year that we could provide jobs to and provides online ordering those left without work,” said for curbside pickup and local delivery. Mastronardi. Lee & Maria’s is a 40-year old family farm at 692 Seacliff Dr. in Kingsville. Since the beginning, the farm has operated an on-farm market and began delivering orders to people’s homes across the region in 2012. The 8th delivery season comes to an Kathy Mastronardi, left and Jennifer Perciballi of end on Octo- Lee and Maria’s Market.
RogeR J. WaRe October 28, 2009 Always in my heart. Forever loved and remembered. Mom & Family
This date in October comes once a year. It’s not one we want to see come. Because that’s the day we lost you. You were just 20 years old. We thought you had a long life to live and share with your family. But on that day you were taken from us. Rob, you live on in our minds and hearts. You are never far, always near, always a part of us. Our love for you son, could not be stronger. Missing you so much. The need to have and to hold you never goes away. Love you forever. Your family, Dad, Mom, Sandra, Paul, Alex, Blake & Hope
IN MEMORIAM
Happy 90th Birthday Barbara J Cowan ~ October 30,2020 ~
Love always, your family Rick, Patti & Mike, Cathy & Brian Nicole & Damon, Chris, Michelle & Scott, Claire & Henry Bridget, Danny, Garrett, James & Ali
Happy 90th Birthday Mario Cappelli •October 29 •
In Loving Memory of
EFFIE (BOWMAN) ROACH October 25,2019
Mom - it’s hard to believe that 1 year has passed since you left us. You are sadly missed but will always be remembered for your smiles, kindness, beauty inside and out, sense of humour, Christmas baking which you so generously shared, and for your unconditional love. Love Always, Your Family and Friends ♥
In Loving Memory of our dear parents, grandparents and great-grandparents
SHIRLEY ROACH (PINCH) & GERALD M. ROACH October 8, 1926 - November 3, 2015
September 6, 1925 - October 19, 1997
Beautiful memories dearer than gold, Of our mother and father Whose worth can never be told, There’s a place in our hearts no one can fill, We miss you Mom and Dad, and always will.
Love Richard, Janice, and family
We don’t often catch you sitting as you are always on the go. Here is to many more healthy years on this earth, Salute. Love, Your Family.
