Do you suffer from a chronic illness? 

Would you like to actively participate in a group of people exploring the value of local nutrient-rich produce in promoting health? 

Would you like to increase your gardening skills and receive support in growing your own fresh produce? 

More than half of US adults suffer from at least one chronic disease (such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension). Most chronic diseases are caused or made worse by the standard American diet of highly processed foods. Increased amounts of fresh nutrient-dense vegetables, fruits and herbs in the diet can improve overall health.  

The Food is Medicine Project of the Berea Urban Farm (BUF) is not a typical CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We are about real food, but also about learning to support health through Food is Medicine and to increase our skills in growing nutrient-rich vegetables, fruits and herbs. 

Who is eligible to participate in the BUF Food is Medicine Project? 

Participants must be residents of Madison County, age 21 years or older, and identify as having one or more chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, obesity, hypertension, and inflammatory bowel syndrome. No medical information is requested or required to participate.  

Members of the BUF Food is Medicine Project receive: 

• A weekly box of produce from the BUF for about 22 weeks (roughly late April – mid-September) 

• Recipes, tastings and nutritional information 

• Classes in cooking, food preservation, gardening 

• Invitation to an on-farm reception 

• Either a 3’x5’ raised garden bed or a 25-gallon planter tub with soil, seeds, instructions 

Members agree to: 

• Complete a pre- and a post-program survey on diet and food preferences 

• Pay $500 for their CSA share. There are a limited number of shares at $100 for people who otherwise could not afford to participate. 

• Come to the farm weekly to pick up their share (Tuesdays, anytime between 4pm and 6pm) and to spend some time with Therese in the Four-Seasons Demo Garden. 

• Attend at least two of the associated events (e.g., cooking class, on-farm reception) 

• Grow some food in the tub or raised bed they receive, and bring a sample of their harvest to share. 

Note:  

If your reason for enrolling in a CSA is only to get fresh local vegetables (which is a fine reason!), then the BUF Food is Medicine CSA is not for you. We are building a community of people who want to learn about nutrition and health, share their knowledge with others, and increase their gardening skills. It requires a commitment of time beyond just picking up a box of food each week. 

Our primary pickup and learning window will be Tuesdays 4-6pm mid-April through mid-September. You don’t need to be there for the whole two hours, but you will want to spend some time talking with Colby about nutrition, sampling our veggie dish of the week, and visiting the four-seasons garden with Therese to learn more about gardening.  

If you know that work or family commitments are likely to often interfere with your ability to join us on Tuesdays, then you might consider the Lazy Eight Stock Farm’s excellent CSA 

https://lazyeightstockfarm.com/ or visiting the Berea Farmers Market on Saturday mornings https://www.bereafarmersmarket.org/

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For more information or questions, contact:

Colby Lilly, Manager, BUF Food is Medicine Project

colby@sustainableberea.org

859-985-1689