Cincinnati women farmers combat food inflation with pay-as-you-can produce subscription

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a subscription program where local growers and consumers provide mutual support and share the risks and benefits of food production. But some of Mustard Seed Farm's members pay more and some pay less for their veggie subscription, each choosing whatever price fits their budget.

Reimagining Food Systems

As inflation in grocery prices continues to burden so many households, local produce might seem like a surprising place to find affordability. Both farmers, Marykate Glenn and Lindsey Melling say it's important to them to produce good food for all, regardless of income.

Their farm's online membership form is open now with the first harvest scheduled for distribution on June 7th. "Over 11 years of running CSA's this way (where some folks pay more and some pay less) it has always worked out by the end of the year as if we'd sold all the memberships for the median suggested price," said Farmer Marykate Glenn.

"There's about 33% of our Farm Share community paying a lower amount. The best part about this approach is that we have ⅓ more neighbors able to join the party who otherwise might not have considered it if there was a set price!"

Neighbors Meet While Picking up Produce

There's a real sense of community as CSA members gather at the steps of the picturesque St. Elizabeth's church in Norwood. They pick from a variety of Mustard Seed Farm's freshly harvested fruits and vegetables each Friday from June to November.

All of Mustard Seed Farm's produce is grown using sustainable practices that bring more carbon into healthier soil without any synthetic fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. From crisp lettuce and juicy tomatoes to crunchy carrots, each week's farm share features a diverse selection of seasonal produce, straight from their urban farm sites to members' tables.

Many customers say they joined because they want to know where their food comes from and to get to know the farmers who grow it. On a busy Friday night in Norwood, that's just what happens.

"No matter what you pay for CSA, each person contributing what's right for them helps meet the needs of the whole group." said Marykate.

Mustard Seed Farm offers home delivery or free pick up in Norwood, Avondale, and now Newport, KY at New Riff Distilling. When available, you can add on eggs, meat, and locally grown flower bouquets at the pick up.

To connect with Mustard Seed Farm and learn more about CSA subscriptions visit mustardseedfarmer.com or contact marykate@mustardseedfarmer.com

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Mustard Seed Farm

mustardseedfarmer.com

Marykate Glenn, Farmer

602-696-0302

marykate@mustardseedfarmer.com

Mustard Seed Farm CSA is a collaboration between farmer friends Marykate Glenn and Lindsey Melling. Together, they grow for a diverse CSA program in the Greater Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky region. Mustard Seed Farm promotes soil health, nutrient-dense foods and spreads the word that our health and the health of the land are woven together. Mustard Seed Farm works to change the way we eat, the way we treat land, and the way we treat each other.