By Abigail Becker Girard
Northside News
After a Wisconsin winter of gray, snow white and dark nights, I crave green. Seeing spring daffodil stems, smelling freshly mowed grass, witnessing fluttering tree leaves that filter the sunlight. But I especially want to consume all things green: spinach, kale, arugula, sugar snap peas, and scallions.
Being a first-time member of Troy Farm’s community-supported agriculture (CSA) program has brought all my green vegetable dreams come true.
Since mid-June, my husband and I have headed to Troy Farm every other Thursday to pick up our share of locally grown vegetables. Toting these veggies home brings me immense joy knowing that I’ll soon be pickling kohlrabi, tossing giant salads, and sautéing bok choy and garlic scapes.
While I wanted to join a CSA to up my veggie game, I appreciate the larger factors at work.
“I think the most important benefits of supporting locally grown agriculture are supporting a local economy, supporting a locally resilient food system, and reducing food miles and the environmental impact of that travel,” Farm Director Paul Huber said in an email.
Huber described how the CSA model brings the consumer in connection to the land and the farmer. “Connection to where food comes from helps communities connect with mother nature in a very intimate way and helps them appreciate and want to protect this invaluable resource,” Huber said.
Being a member at Troy Farms also connected me to my community. Since becoming a member at Troy Farms, I haven’t stopped talking about it with friends, family and co-workers. Through these conversations, I’ve learned new recipes and shared about my Northside neighborhood.
As we leave Troy Farm on our pick-up day, we pass other members heading to the farm stand to gather their share. While we won’t be at the same dinner table, it’s nice to know we’ll be cooking with the same ingredients grown on local land and cared for by dedicated volunteers.
