New store has the (farm-fresh) goods

KENT — Area residents have a new place to get farm-fresh produce without having to leave the center of town. The new Kent Goods, at 3 Old Barn Road, is a bit of the country, right in the Village Barn Shops.

This is a first business for shop owner Deborah Bassette, who has lived in Kent since 2006.

Bassette said she collects produce from farms throughout the area, including Stone Wall Farm in Cornwall, Mountain View Farm in Kent, Starberry Peach Farm in Washington, Sullivan Farm in New Milford and Riverbank Farm in Roxbury.

“I only work with farmers who care about the environment and use few or no chemicals for their crops,†Bassette said. “Right now, tomatoes are definitely coming in, along with lettuce, herbs, various kinds of cabbage and beautiful carrots. We also have several types of squash and a lot of fruit, including strawberries, peaches and apricots.â€

When she’s not harvesting goods from local  farmers and bringing it to town, Bassette works as a freelance Internet producer and writer.

“It’s tricky to go from one kind of job to another, but I love what I’m doing,†she said. “And I’m learning how to think in new ways by operating the store. Also, I’m more in touch with the community now than ever before thanks to operating Kent Goods.â€

The store is open Thursday through Sunday from noon to 5:30 p.m.

For more information and to sign up for the store’s e-mail newsletter call 860-927-0191 or e-mail deb@kentgoods.com.

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