Nancy Poli grew up in the suburbs of Philadelphia and had no agricultural experience when she moved to her farm in the Pocono Mountains more than 20 years ago.
Back then, Poli kept a few horses and chickens on the farm. Later, her son, Nolan Thevenet, expressed an interest in raising sheep.
Poli had another idea.
âI asked him if he would raise one pig for me because I didnât like the taste of the pork from the store,â she said.
One pig eventually blossomed into Stryker Farm, a family-run operation in Saylorsburg, Monroe County, Pennsylvania, that raises beef, lamb and pork on pasture.
Lard makes a comeback as trends play to the maligned fat s strengths
The once out of favor ingredient is finding its way into more recipes as the idea of fat in moderation gains acceptance and consumers aim to reduce waste by using more of the animal. Published May 13, 2021 Courtesy of Nolan Thevenet
Nolan Thevenet, the owner of Stryker Farm in Pennsylvania, said it wasn t that long ago that lard was destined for the garbage at his operation rather than a serious way to make money.
In just a few years, the pig byproduct has suddenly become a hot commodity on his farm as more consumers embrace the ingredient coveted for its flavor and color despite the decidedly unhealthy reputation that has followed it for decades.
Courtesy of/Albert Yee South Philly Co-op is now open. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, only 12 customers are allowed inside at one time. There are two checkout registers with plexiglass barriers and one mobile register.
After 10 years of organizing and fundraising, South Philly Food Co-op is finally open.
The community-owned, full-service grocery store officially opened its doors right before Christmas, offering the neighborhood fresh, local and sustainable groceries.
The store currently offers products from national brands and more than 20 local and regional vendors, with plans to add even more Philly-area suppliers in the coming months.
The grocery store features seasonal, organic produce from Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op, pasture-raised meats from Stryker Farm, fresh fish from family-owned Samuels Seafood Co. and local, dairy-farmed cheeses from Third Wheel Cheese Company, among its mix of local products.
Here at last: The South Philly Food Co-op is open for business I am ecstatic we are opening after 10 years of hard work and dedication,” said Lori Burge, general manager of South Philly Food Co-op. “Having an incredible community of friends, board members, partners, volunteers and staff who have helped us every step of the way makes opening a grocery co-op during a global pandemic extremely rewarding and showcases the importance of how co-ops benefit neighborhoods.”
Chad Hooper, board president (current, 4th president); Alison Fritz, former board president (1st president); Jess Calter, former board president (2nd president); Lori Burge, general manager; Leigh Goldenberg, board treasurer (current); and former board president (3rd president). | Photo by Sydney Seifert-Gram // Butterfish Studio.