Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) at Belmont UMC

What is a CSA?

In basic terms, a CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production.

Why should we, as Christians, care about where our food comes from?

Our United Methodist Social Principles call us to be responsible for the ways in which we use God's creation. One of the ways we can help our environment is by buying produce, eggs and meat directly from a local farmer. Not only does buying directly from a local farmer cut down on the fuel used to transport food, but one can be assured that the food is free of pesticides, whenever possible, and that the animals are treated humanely and are free of antibiotics. One is also able to know that the farm workers are treated justly.

How can you participate in the Avalon Acres CSA at Belmont UMC?

We will have information about the Avalon Acres CSA Fall/Winter Schedule on a table in the lobby area. To sign-up, you simply need to fill out the forms, mark Belmont UMC as your drop-off location, and send your form in with your money to Avalon Acres Farms. Or you may download the information from the below link. The Fall/Winter CSA Schedule begins delivering on Sunday, November 30 and will deliver every other week for 10 weeks.

For more information visit the Avalon Acres website at http://www.avalon-acres.com or download a Winter CSA sign-up packet by clicking here (change this to the attachment).

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Becky Eberhart at rebecca.eberhart@vanderbilt.edu.