Annual event aids poor, connects with farmers
Lorna Baldwin
April 10, 2010
Food and faith nurture us. As I plan for this year’s “That’s My Farmer” celebration, I realize I was never clearer about that relationship and about my commitment to this interfaith church-farm coalition than when a woman finished speaking at the organization’s celebration last year.
Hers is one of many low-income families whom the congregations have supported. The families receive an affordable box of fresh-picked, organic fruits and vegetables each week; the farmers receive a fair price for their produce.
When she began talking about challenging medical issues that her family had faced, I wondered how she had the courage to tell such a personal story to hundreds of strangers. Her motivation quickly became clear: She wanted us to know how good the nutritious food was for her family’s health, how it offered them spiritual as well as physical sustenance, and how joyful she felt when they had extra to share.
In volunteering to tell her story, she wanted to give of herself and help us understand the extraordinary gift we offer and that (she hoped) we will continue to offer households in need.
That’s My Farmer is a unique partnership among 15 faith communities and 15 farmers who practice Community Supported Agriculture. For an initial investment at the beginning of the growing season, CSA members share in both the abundance and risk inherent in farming.
Their funds provide participating farmers with needed, early cash flow. Every week throughout the growing season a box of freshly picked, delicious fruit and vegetables — some farmers now also provide eggs, dairy and meat — are delivered to a neighborhood drop site.
The skill, knowledge and thoughtful commitment our farmers possess is awe-inspiring. We are blessed that they have chosen to grow this safe, healthful food here in Lane County. A visit to the farms shows the loving care they provide for creation. And keeping our food dollars here is great for our local economy!
Raising money for the low-income fund is strong motivation for the interfaith group. Last year we supplied $6,300 to farmers to subsidize shares and to give coupon books (Farmer Bucks) redeemable at local farmers’ markets or farms. We also give Farmer Bucks to members of Huerto de la Familia, a garden and farm program for low-income Latino families.
That’s My Farmer’s interfaith group serves as a liaison between the farmers, our faith communities and the community at large. Our annual celebration offers an opportunity for everyone to deepen their connection with the farmers.
By encouraging the community to purchase either CSA shares or Farmer Bucks at the annual event, we also serve as educators in our own faith communities and beyond. Please consider joining the interfaith group for this joy-filled adventure!
On Wednesday, the That’s My Farmer celebration will be held at First United Methodist Church at 13th Avenue and Olive Street from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. For more information, contact co-directors Lorna Baldwin at 541-683-1155 or Patty Hine at 541-343-5091.
Lorna Baldwin is a member of the Unitarian Universalist Church of Eugene’s Green Sanctuary Committee. This column is coordinated by Lane Interfaith Alliance to offer inspiration, share personal spiritual experiences and bring a deeper understanding of individual faith perspectives with the intention of blessing our community and the world. For more information, visit www.laneinterfaithalliance.org or call 541-344-0430.