Most of us buy local not just because we love wholesome food and unique, handmade goods, but because we love the idea of supporting small farmers and artisans. Buying from Boni-Bel Organic Farm comes with something else to love: the children who benefit from the educational programs the farm funds.

Located in Brewster, Boni-Bel Farm is part of Green Chimneys, a nonprofit special education school and residential treatment center for children with social, emotional and behavioral challenges. The farm serves as a vocational education site for Green Chimneys students.

As a working organic farm, Boni-Bel produces vegetables, fruit, flowers, maple syrup and honey used in the Green Chimneys kitchen and classrooms, and sold at its Country Store and roadside farm stand. Locally made candles, cheese, knit goods, seasonings and fudge are also sold at the Country Store.

On the farm, Green Chimneys School students learn to interact with nature as they learn about and become responsible for the many plants while discovering new skills, a concept known as Green Care. The students’ vocational training extends to the Country Store, where they learn about operations and customer service in a real retail environment.

Boni-Bel Farm and Country Store are located at 301 Doansburg Rd., Brewster, NY. The store is open Tuesday through Friday, from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more info, call 845.278.2060 or visit GreenChimneys.org.