Since the closing of the Sarasota Farmers Market due to the coronavirus outbreak, easily purchasing locally grown has become exponentially more difficult. Enter: Worden Farm. The Punta Gorda-based organic farm will be extend its season of organic veggie box deliveries through April 15. These boxes, filled with fresh, local produce, can be picked up at locations like Artisan Cheese Company in downtown Sarasota on Wednesdays from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and at other locations in Osprey and Venice. The boxes include farmer's choice produce, based on what's in season.

Worden Farm's Eva Worden says seeing a spike in demand for the organic boxes. "We've been doing this box delivery for 17 years," she says. "But they are the way forward in conditions like this."  

"We are advising people to get as much as they can now," says Worden. "Plan ahead. Freeze, juice, or pickle the produce you have and save up." Growing season winds down in the summer, and with uncertainty surrounding how long the pandemic will last, now is the time to reap the local harvest. 

Worden Farm is located at 34900 Bermont Road, Punta Gorda. For membership and box pickup information, click here, or call (941) 234-4843.