Three Rivers Park District

Gale Woods Farm
Community Farm Project

Since 2003, the Gale Woods Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program has provided the opportunity for 14-15 year olds to work in the gardens that grow vegetables for farm shareholders, residents of the local community, visitors of the farm and the Mound-Westonka Food Shelf.

Lessons from the Land
In cooperation with the Carver County Workforce Program, the Community Farm Project is more than just learning about sustainable agriculture and food production. Youth Farmers also receive leadership training build lifelong learning skills like teamwork, punctuality and the importance of having a positive attitude.

The Youth Farmers work four days a week from mid-June through mid-August. Their days include fieldwork, a shared lunch with produce from the garden, farm chores, and projects. They perform all the tasks of gardening from weeding, harvesting and planting to preparing the vegetables for distribution.

During the past four seasons, the Youth Farmers have really dug into their projects, grown vegetables and have done some growing themselves, too. These young farmers say the Community Farm Project has opened their eyes.

“I didn’t have any idea as to how much work goes into growing food,” says Ilana Radovsky (’05). “I think there’s a perception that food just magically appears in the grocery store.”

“I’ve learned a lot about how things grow and how to take care of things,” said Julia Moroles (’05,’06). “Although I don’t like weeding and getting so dirty, I do feel like I’m making a difference, and that’s a very powerful feeling.”

Gale Woods Farm Production Gardens
Though the gardens are not certified organic, we follow organic practices and principles. Using methods like livestock rotation and planting cover crops in our gardens helps develop and sustain healthy soil, which results in healthy produce.

CSA is a unique model of local agriculture that connects local farmers with local consumers. It is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters which provides a direct link between the production and the consumption of food. CSA shareholders make a commitment to support a farm, and assume the costs, risks and bounty of growing food directly with a farmer. In return, this farm provides a weekly supply of fresh produce throughout their growing season.

Community Supported Agriculture 2007
In 2007, over 60 families became shareholders in Gale Woods Farm’s CSA. From mid-June to early October they received 6-20 pounds of fresh local produce each week. The “market-style” pick-up included produce choices of well-known vegetables like tomatoes, potatoes, broccoli and onions and some lesser-known vegetables like bok choi, arugula and celeriac.

Our CSA shareholders support the Youth Farmer program, and experience taking part in a community that values the importance of local agriculture. Additional opportunities for shareholders include participating in garden workdays and the annual CSA Potluck, and receiving weekly newsletters with appetizing recipes!

For more information about becoming a shareholder, please contact the Gale Woods Farm office at 763-694-2001.

Newsletters
Accompanying each week’s produce is a PDF newsletter acquainting you with your food and farmers, and providing you with information about what is happening in the gardens. Through these weekly updates, you’ll receive descriptions, storage and handling tips, along with recipes that will help you enjoy your weekly selection of veggies.

Visit the CSA Archive for newsletters from previous years with photos, recipes, and and lessons learned!