Cultivating Community: How City Fresh Bridges the Gap Between Local Farmers and Eaters

City Fresh, the Oberlin-based community supported agriculture (CSA) organization, has been on a mission to transform the local food landscape since its inception in 2005. Founded with the goal of connecting local producers and consumers, this innovative initiative has been breaking down barriers and making fresh, affordable produce accessible to all.

Empowering Sustainable Eating, One Vegetable at a Time

Redefining the CSA Model

City Fresh's approach to community supported agriculture is anything but traditional. Executive Director Anna Kiss Mauser-Martinez describes it as a "CSA with a twist," one that prioritizes inclusivity and accessibility. Unlike conventional CSAs that often require a season-long commitment and can be financially out of reach for many families, City Fresh offers a more flexible and affordable model.Customers can purchase single or family shares on a week-to-week basis, with tiered pricing that caters to those with low incomes and those using the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This innovative structure ensures that everyone, regardless of their financial circumstances, can access fresh, locally-sourced produce.

Bringing the Harvest to the Community

To further bridge the gap between local food producers and eaters, City Fresh has established a network of 16 "Fresh Stops" stretching from Oberlin to Euclid. These strategically placed distribution points make it easier for customers to pick up their weekly shares, eliminating the need for them to travel long distances to a central location.The Fresh Stop model also fosters a sense of community, allowing customers to connect with one another and learn about unfamiliar produce items. Mauser-Martinez believes that building these connections is crucial in encouraging people to adopt more sustainable and local eating habits.

Empowering New Farmers and Vendors

City Fresh's commitment to a sustainable food system extends beyond just providing fresh produce to the community. The organization also works to support and empower new farmers and vendors, recognizing the challenges they face in an ever-changing agricultural landscape.At the organization's George Jones Farm in Oberlin, six women have been granted space and resources to start their own businesses. Mauser-Martinez acknowledges that farming is a craft that requires mentorship and access to resources, and City Fresh is dedicated to providing the support these aspiring farmers need to thrive.

Navigating the Challenges of Climate Change

The impact of climate change on agriculture is undeniable, and City Fresh is not immune to its effects. Volatile seasons and mild winters have made it increasingly difficult for farmers to plant and harvest their crops in a timely manner, while also contributing to the spread of diseases and fungi that can devastate crops.In response, City Fresh has forged partnerships with Amish farms that utilize sustainable methods to protect the soil for future generations of farmers. The organization also grows some of its own produce, further strengthening its commitment to a resilient and environmentally-conscious food system.

Fostering Community and Changing Habits

At the heart of City Fresh's mission is the belief that building community is the key to encouraging people to adopt more sustainable and local eating habits. Mauser-Martinez emphasizes that "we don't change our habits without community," and the organization's Fresh Stops serve as hubs for connection, learning, and shared experiences around food.By providing a welcoming and inclusive space for customers to explore new produce, share recipes, and support one another, City Fresh is not just delivering fresh food – it's cultivating a movement that has the power to transform the way we think about and engage with our local food systems.As Mauser-Martinez eloquently states, "Eating is something we have to do so much of. Food is – at its core – the thread that connects us to each other." Through its innovative approach to community supported agriculture, City Fresh is weaving that thread, one vegetable at a time.