According to Lance Kraai, a farmer at New City Farm, an urban farm on the northwest end of Grand Rapids – Growers’ Fare is an opportunity for each farm to share their stories.
“Its just a great way for customers to see all the different options that are available to them, we are all under one roof together and so it really helps customers connect in a really simple, easy, fun way.”
When a customer purchases a farm share, or a CSA (an acronym that stands for community supported agriculture) they are guaranteed fresh eggs, milk, meat or produce throughout the season.
“You are investing in a farm in the off season and guaranteeing for the farmer that you are going to be a loyal customer to them, and you are willing to support them. Then the farmer does everything in their power to honor that arrangement and grow really good food for the customers and provide to them weekly.”
According to Kraai, CSA’s can be a very accessible resource for individuals who live in neighborhoods where fresh foods and vegetable are too expensive or are found outside of their communities.
“Farm shares are the most economical way to eat organic and local. Certainly each farm is offering anywhere from a 10% to 30% discount on what you would get if you were to buy the same comparable amount of produce at a farmer’s market.”
Krai explains that some farms like New City Farm will take food stamp and EBT benefits as payment.
“Our farm, in particular, we accept EBT dollars for our CSA shares, and others farms will accept that if they are doing drops at the Fulton Street Farmers’ Market.”
The Growers’ Fare will take place this Saturday from 9am to 4pm at the Downtown Market.
Michelle Jokisch Polo WGVU News.