The High Desert Food & Farm Alliance (HDFFA) is partnering with local farmers and the Pacific Northwest CSA Coalition (PNWCSA) to launch a new Supported CSA Program. A Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program is one in which an individual pays a farm for a membership that entitles them to a “share” of the farm’s harvest — commonly a set quantity of fresh foods made available to the member for pickup on a periodic weekly basis. This has become a popular way to buy tasty, seasonal fruit and vegetables, directly from the farmer.
There are many benefits, but also often large barriers, to programs such as these, including financial hardship and transportation limitations. This new program will make CSAs more affordable for families and individuals that utilize SNAP/EBT (formerly known as food stamps). The cost is paid for by three sources: SNAP, a program that doubles your SNAP called Double Up Food Bucks and by HDFFA, for up to a 75 percent discount.
Program participants will receive a weekly box of fresh produce, as well as nutrition information, recipes, pickup support and guidance on the share that will best meet their needs. CSA share size, pickup times and locations, duration and cost all vary. Most pickup locations are in the Bend, Sisters and Redmond area. Participants can be referred by their medical care provider or can express interest to HDFFA directly. They must currently be receiving SNAP/EBT to participate.
