By: Muz Afzal, Community Engagement Coordinator
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) are programs that allow local community members to buy local fruit and vegetables directly from the source. In most CSA relationships, the produce is distributed to members in weekly “shares”, which the community members purchase in advance at the beginning of the growing season.
There are multiple opportunities for SE Portland residents to participate in a CSA program.
The City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability has a great website to help you “Find Your Farmer.” One map on the site shows the amazing array of farmers markets, and this map shows locations all over Portland where you can pick up fresh CSA produce weekly directly from a local farmer.
A new option for Southeast residents is with the nonprofit Adelante Mujeres. Adelante Mujeres is a nonprofit that works to empower Latina women and their families in Washington County. In the Adelante Mujeres CSA, the distributor buys local produce from Latino farmers, who are also Sustainable Agriculture program participants, and combines the produce into shares for the CSA members each week. CSA families receive weekly shares of local produce that is grown without chemicals, by farmers who use sustainable growing practices. Participation in this CSA, supports the growth of Latino-owned farms while also incorporating fresh produce into your diet this summer and fall. The Adelante Mujeres CSA offers occasional Hispanic produce items, such as papalo, nopales, and hoja santa. There are two CSA pick up locations in SE Uplift’s coalition area: Portland Mercado (72nd and Foster) and SE 20th and Pine. The season runs from June 18th to October 8th. Visit their website for more pick up locations and details!
Regardless of if you visit local farmers markets or join a CSA there are many options in SE Portland this summer to access fresh fruits and vegetables while supporting your local farmers.
