WHAT IS THE COLUMBIA VALLEY FARM SHARE? The goal of the Columbia Valley Farm Share is to provide local families and elders in need of food supports with equitable access to local food options, like a CSA share. With generous funding from United Way, Columbia Valley Food and Farm has partnered with local farms to purchase shares on behalf of families and elders in need of food supports. Every week there will be 5-8 locally grown produce items in the box. These shares will also include recipe cards, information about seasonal foods, and kitchen equipment for storing and processing produce.
WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is when community members purchase a “share” of the summer harvest, in winter or early spring. This supports farms with their seasonal start-up costs and in return, community members receive weekly produce boxes throughout the growing season. While CSA shares are a wonderful support for local agriculture, the upfront cost can be prohibitive for many families and limits access to local produce for many community members.
HOW WILL THE PROGRAM WORK? There will be 25 boxes available on a weekly basis for 12-weeks total. The CSA will start in early July and end in early September. Boxes will be delivered every Tuesday to the Akisqnuk Health Centre and Ktunaxa Kinbasket Child and Family Services will coordinate the distribution of boxes.
This program was made possible with funding from United Way and support form the Columbia Valley Chamber of Commerce.