The Gila Farm Cooperative's CSA (Community Supported Agriculture ) is up and running, delivering produce grown by refugee farmers working with the IRC New Roots Program. CSA members’ donations have made it possible for two refugee families in need to receive a free share of fresh produce.
How does the Gila Farm CSA work? IRC works with refugee farmers through our New Roots Farm Program and helps them become part of the Gila Farm. Community members buy into the CSA through the purchase of a share of the Gila Farm, much like an investment in upcoming produce. CSA members receive $20-25 worth of produce every week for ten weeks. Members are given nutritional information, tips and recipe ideas. So far deliveries have included items such as kale, collard greens, asian greens, tatsoi, radishes and spinach among others.
"Working in a CSA will teach refugee farmers to produce and market goods in a formalized business environment," said Nicky Walker, IRC Development Manager. "This knowledge will help make them successful farmers and allow our community to have access to nutritious, locally grown produce." Plans are starting for the next CSA season including working with a local refugee owned business to include bread, meat and dairy shares along with vegetable shares for customers.
In February IRC will be working with Gila Farm on a hoop house – an unheated greenhouse - where IRC staff and volunteers will be invited to come out for a workday, teaching refugees how to build and run a greenhouse. Volunteer opportunities will be announced via our web site and Facebook page.
Kale Chips Recipe
• 1 bunch kale
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon seasoned salt
Directions
1. Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Line a non insulated cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. With a knife or kitchen shears carefully remove the leaves from the thick stems and tear into bite size pieces. Wash and thoroughly dry kale with a salad spinner. Drizzle kale with olive oil and sprinkle with seasoning salt.
3. Bake until the edges brown but are not burnt, 10 to 15 minutes.
To find out more about the Gila Farm Cooperative and refugee farmers please contact New Roots Program Coordinator Jessica Woiderski at Jessica.Woiderski@Rescue.org.
Story by Nesima Aberra, Communications Intern
