The average piece of food travels 1,500 miles to your refrigerator.
A group of Westporters wants to cut that to 100.
Last year, the Unitarian Church sponsored a Community Supported Agriculture program. Over 40 families bought full ($600) or half ($300) shares. On a rotating basis, from early June through the end of October, each family drove to Stone Gardens Farm in Shelton. They returned with enough food for 8 families.
The bounty was enormous: sweet corn, plump tomatoes, kale, peas, beets, Swiss chard, squash, pickles, onions, peppers, eggplants, peaches, plums, apples, potatoes, spinach, squash and much more. Most weeks there were tasty eggs; sometimes chicken, even grass-fed beef.
The families got a great deal on fantastic food. They shared recipes, and a harvest feast at season’s end.
The farmers — Fred and Stacia Monahan — appreciated knowing there would be a constant demand for whatever they grew.
This year, organizers are expanding the idea. A hundred families have already signed up — and it’s likely there will be a co-op drop-off spot in Westport, eliminating the Shelton run.
Tomorrow from 12:30 to 2 p.m., the Unitarian Church is hosting a lunch. Interested residents can meet Fred, Stacia and CSA members, and enjoy fresh, homemade soup.
Crumbs, beware!
(For more information, contact Rebecca Howe: heres-howe@mindspring.com)

Checking out the goods last year in Shelton
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