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We’ve all been to the grocery store lately and seen the rising food prices. Making healthier food choices, especially when buying organic, can put a strain on our wallets. Many of our neighbors at BJH face the challenge of being able to afford the healthier food options. When your food budget has to be stretched and with so many processed foods being readily available and more cost-effective, it is hard for those with food insecurity to make the healthier choice. With the help of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), BJH aims to help eligible neighbors receive biweekly deliveries of locally-sourced organic vegetables. These deliveries will ensure that neighbors have access to nutritious food.
Community Supported Agriculture is a program that allows consumers to purchase memberships from a farm. During the growing season, the consumer receives the fresh produce harvested on the farm. This model promotes a direct relationship between the consumer and farmers, aids in local agriculture, and provides farmers with financial growth. CSA is a win-win for both the farmer and consumers. CSA members are able to enjoy the benefits of delicious, healthy organic foods. Shared resources is one of the foundations of BJH’s vision.
Last year Barr Farms, a local 260-acre farm in Rhodelia, KY, partnered with BJH to pilot a program providing eight neighbors with biweekly deliveries of fresh organic produce during the growing season. Many of the neighbors in the pilot program have chronic illnesses like diabetes and know that adopting healthier eating habits is imperative for managing their diabetes, and other chronic diseases, effectively.
Barr Farms is a seventh-generation family farm and is one of the first farms in the area to offer CSA farm shares. They pride themselves in growing nutrient-rich organic produce. The family believes “Healthy soil grows healthy people."
This year one of BJH's goals is to provide twenty-five neighbors with biweekly deliveries of Barr Farms fresh produce. BJH understands the importance of having fresh fruit and vegetables incorporated into a daily meal plan, and how essential these foods are to the health of many of our neighbors with chronic health conditions.
Why not just buy conventionally grown produce from the supermarket? Why is organic produce a focus for the neighbors at BJH?
Conventionally grown foods are full of ingredients that are unrecognizable. Organic fresh produce is grown and processed without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilizers, GMO’s, artificial colors, or preservatives. Organic farmers, like Barr Farms, focus on creating healthy ecosystems, so that crops can flourish without harmful chemicals. These farmers cultivate organic crops using natural fertilizers such as manure, implement crop rotation, and use cover crops in their farming. This farming method enriches the soil with more nutrients, leading to the production of crops that are also richer in nutrients. Organically grown fruits and vegetables are higher in antioxidants and essential vitamins while containing lower levels of cancer-causing nitrates. A 2003 study found organically grown berries and corn contained 58% more antioxidants and up to 52% higher amounts of vitamin C. This number of extra vitamins and antioxidants are comparable to eating two extra portions of fruits and vegetables daily. With a limited budget, the extra benefit from the organically grown produce goes a long way.
The pilot program implemented last year for eight eligible neighbors was highly successful. The neighbors expressed deep gratitude and pride in being part of the program. They took great pleasure in receiving organic produce from Barr Farms and appreciated the health benefits of consuming such nutritious food. The neighbors commented on their excitement when able to try produce unfamiliar to them for the first time. They also enjoyed learning new cooking methods for the products supplied each month. Receiving nutrient-rich produce can positively influence individuals, often leading to the taking up of other healthier food choices. This is why BJH wants to increase the program to allow twenty-five neighbors to be able to benefit from this successful program. Healthier eating leads to healthier neighbors. Sharing community resources leads to shared positive outcomes and shared dreams, the animating vision of BJH.
References
Barr Farms
https://www.barrfarmsky.com/
How Organic Foods Can Help Diabetics Thrive
https://originz.co/organically-speaking/how-organic-food-can-help-diabetics-thrive
Foods That Lower Blood Sugar-Are They Legit? Experts Explain
What Is Organic Food, and Is It Better Than Non-Organic Food?
www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-is-organic-food
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