Portage Health Foundation continues to be a leading force for community change in the Copper Country with its Collective CSA program. Portage Health Foundation started the Collective CSA program in 2020 with the goal of increasing healthy food access to families within Houghton and Baraga counties while supporting local farms. Despite challenges brought on by the pandemic, the Collective CSA Program not only survived but continues to thrive and expand its reach.
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Community members invest in a share upfront, supporting farmers during the offseason in exchange for a box of local produce weekly throughout the growing season. In this case, Portage Health Foundation makes the investment with local farms purchasing CSA shares on behalf of local families. PHF then works with partner organizations KBIC Health Center, BHK L’Anse & Houghton, Keweenaw Family Resource Center, and UP Kids to identify families that can benefit from a weekly share of fresh local food and education materials.
With year three under their belt, I spoke with Community Health Educator and program coordinator Meghan Jaszczak to reflect on the growing success of the Collective CSA. Jaszczak shared that this year the Collective CSA was able to expand to a 70 mile radius, from Watton to Copper City, serving over 70 children and their families. Over the course of 12 weeks, families received a box with fresh produce provided by local farms Boersma Family Roots, Ghost House, North Harvest, and Whispering Wild Market Farm. Additionally, shares this year included a variety of freshly baked bread from Skinny Pete’s Bakery
While the fresh food is important, Jaszczak acknowledges that it is only one piece of the puzzle. The Collective CSA Program is working to address the many barriers that come with addressing food insecurity. That’s why the Collective CSA offers home delivery options, kitchen utensils such as salad spinners, and education materials for children and parents. The education materials are customized week by week, providing information about how to store or prepare ingredients, as well as recipe cards.
When asked what aspects of the program went especially well this year, Jaszczak was quick to praise the collaborative efforts of everyone involved. Interns drove to different counties to pick up the farm fresh produce as well as deliver the fully packed CSA boxes each week. Coordination and flexibility between farms was essential to ensure there wasn’t an overlap in produce offered. Portage Health Foundation approaches the issue of food access in a very intentional and thoughtful way that truly maximizes support for the community. With another successful season completed, it’s clear that Portage Health Foundation’s Collective CSA Program is a win-win for families and farmers in the Copper Country!
You can learn more about Portage Health Foundation’s Food Initiatives in the Copper Country at their website.
Madelina DiLisi is the Western UP Farm to School Grant Coordinator and current Masters student at Michigan Tech University.
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