Fresh, Organic Vegetables with a Side of Hope

"What is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Program? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a unique model of local agriculture. Its origins reach back almost 40 years to Japan where a group of women concerned about the increase in food imports and the corresponding decrease in the farming population initiated a direct growing and purchasing relationship between their group and local farms. This arrangement, called 'teikei' in Japanese, translates to 'putting the farmers' face on food.' This concept traveled to Europe, and in 1985, was adapted for the U.S. and given the name 'Community Supported Agriculture' at Indian Line Farm, Massachusetts. According to the US Department of Agriculture, Community Supported Agriculture consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, in effect, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. It is estimated that there are now over 1500 CSA farms across North America". -From the ewent website.

If you have never heard of a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program, you are not in the minority. This is especially true for those of us who have never really known where our food comes from let alone where the closest local farm can be found. Being a Pasadena native, I was almost positive that the only way for me to truly "shop local" was to visit farmer's markets, drive to Tehachapi or simply grow my own food. However, there is another option right here in my own backyard. Our very own community has a local CSA where you can not only support a local grower through your purchases of organic, seasonal produce, but also support local youth. The Earthworks Community Farm in El Monte has established a program whereby at-risk youth are taught the art of organic farming in order to give them a greater perspective on their world. As the website states:

"EarthWorks brings together young adults from the San Gabriel Valley Conservation Corps, who grow vegetables, fruits, and flowers, help maintain the farm, and sell fresh produce as part of the SGVCC program. Youth work in teams to plant, harvest, mulch, weed and more. Some participants will have the chance to sell flowers and vegetables at our weekly produce stand. They also harvest vegetables for our Community Supported Agriculture program (our weekly vegetable share) and to give to area food banks. Our farm offers a place where young people can experience and explore ideas of community, service, healthy lifestyles, and leadership.

During their time at the farm, youth will experience all the work necessary for maintaining a 4-acre organic farm. We will also explore how farms and the food system impact the environment. They will participate in games and initiatives designed to create community and build leadership skills. Also, they will participate in workshops to increase their awareness of hunger and homelessness, diversity, nutrition, and sustainability".

The benefits of belonging to a CSA run deep. Not only do you have direct relationship with a local farm, you also support the farm through both a membership fee as well as volunteer hours. In return, you receive a weekly bag of produce as well as opportunities for free-pick times when you can walk through the garden and take your pick of specialty produce and flowers. I think about the various benefits our family will enjoy being involved in this program; not only will we receive amazing food, but we will also be able to take Mercy out to the farm for work days when she is a bit older and teach her the joys of God's provision through gardening. What a gift to give our little girl!

If you are interested in more information, check out the farm's website at www.ewent.org. The CSA season runs from March - November (35 weeks total), but it isn't too late to join. An entire season's membership is $700 but they will prorate your fee if you join mid-season. The cost breaks down to about $20/week, which is a small fee for an entire bag of organic fruits and veggies, not to mention the joy of seeing young people flourish in their own communities. I challenge Joseph and I to go through an entire bag in a week. As a matter of fact, sharing a bag with another family might be the way to go. I'm ready to put my money where my mouth is as a Christian and be responsible for our earth and for others. Supporting a CSA is a small step and one I am excited to take.