We chatted with Jonina Turzi, co-founder of Lancaster Farm Sanctuary, about the mission of this non-profit farm animal sanctuary (currently housing rescued cows, chickens, goats, ducks, sheep, and at least one turkey). Lancaster Farm Sanctuary is the Lemon Street Market #GiveLocal partner for September and October. When customers opt to round up at the register, all proceeds will be donated to the Lancaster Farm Sanctuary in order to facilitate compassionate connections between humans and animals.
What is the mission of the Lancaster Farm Sanctuary?
Our mission is rescuing farm animals and providing them sanctuary; inspiring humans to live with honor, respect and appreciation for themselves, the earth and the other beings with whom we share the planet. Our core values are ahimsa (non-harming), satya (truth telling), and asteya (non-stealing). They are the first three ethical guidelines of the yoga tradition.
Share the story of one of the animals currently at the farm.
TrueHeart is an 8 and a half- year old Jersey cow that came to us on Earth Day along with her daughter Bess this past year. She was purchased from an Amish dairy farm about 7 years ago, when she was already pregnant with Bess. She was bought by an animal lover, who wanted to start a small humane homestead farm and obtain “humane” milk for just herself and her family. However, because all mammal mothers form intense bonds with their babies, TrueHeart made it very clear that once her daughter was born, she wanted her milk to be for her own daughter, Bess! Her human caregiver realized the suffering it was causing True to be separated from Bess, even for just a little while each day, and retired her permanently from being used for her mammary gland secretions for human consumption. The homesteading family kept TrueHeart and Bess for as long as they could on their small farm, and even began to practice veganism themselves, eschewing the purchase and consumption of animal products to minimize their exploitation of all farm animals.
Why does Lancaster need an animal sanctuary?
Because we believe the ideal way of life is to: Think global, and act LOCAL! And also: Here in Lancaster, PA, maybe more than almost anywhere else in the world, it is tempting to maintain the myth of a small-scale so-called “humane” animal agriculture system. But unfortunately there is no way to commodify the lives and bonds of mothers and their babies that does not cause harm and unnecessary violence. And we believe in the goodness and insight of the people who live here! We believe that even deeper than our county’s agricultural roots lies an enduring commitment to social justice, spiritual harmony, and nature-based wisdom, and that if we can introduce enough people here to the beauty and truth about farm animals, they will awaken in empathy and live vegan. Imagine if the small farms struggling to survive economically were converted into orchards, and other truly sustainable permaculture centers of food production. We would thrive and all measures of quality life here would improve.
What can the community do to help support Lancaster Farm Sanctuary?
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook and subscribe to our newsletter! Please enjoy and share the stories of the animals who live here, and attend and promote our events to others to increase the impact to help farm animals. Considering donating money to our cause, or your time as a volunteer here or even working from your computer at home. Consider writing LFS into your will, as bequeaths like that have been known to sustain sanctuaries like ours in profound ways in the sanctuary movement.
What events are coming up for Lancaster Farm Sanctuary?
Will Tuttle is coming! On November 21, one of the greatest speakers and leaders of the spirituality-based animal rights movement is coming to give a talk at our little sanctuary in the old bank barn! Dr. Tuttle is the author of The World Peace Diet, which is one of the most incredible books ever written about how veganism and conscious care for farm animals can help humanity find peace and social harmony. Be sure to save the date and attend that lecture if at all possible!
Sarah Salluzzo & Jonina Turzi
Co-founders
Lancaster Farm Sanctuary
Coming up next: Our November & December #GiveLocal partner organization is Lancaster Farmland Trust.
The post #GiveLocal: 5 Questions with Lancaster Farm Sanctuary appeared first on Lemon Street Market.