Community Roots
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One Program – Two Projects
The Kootenai Environmental Alliance recognizes the need to look beyond trees and water to monitor environmental impact. Most food systems in the United States operate on a consumerist mindset. They fulfill the immediate need for inexpensive groceries through large-scale farming, imported food, and unsustainable agricultural practices. As environmental stewards, KEA promotes a healthy food circle by sponsoring the program of Community Roots, a program which takes a two-pronged approach to developing a healthy local food system in our area and reconnecting people with the land that feeds them.
Contact Kara Carleton at kara@kealliance.org / 208-771-3151 for more information.
Roots Local Food Share is a volunteer-based program of the Kootenai Environmental Alliance that distributes surplus produce from local gardeners and farmers to food assistance facilities. With thousands of people seeking aid each month, the Coeur d’Alene Food Bank struggles to meet the increasing demands for food assistance. Furthermore, food banks stock mostly processed, non-perishable foods. Many adults and children in low income households have never experienced the flavor of a freshly picked tomato or a “just off the vine” cucumber. Since most gardeners find that they have grown more produce than their family can consume at peak points in the season, the Roots Local Food Share offers a simple solution to meet these nutritional needs and improve the cohesion of our community.
The Roots Local Food Share also plays a role in reducing food miles and green house gas emissions. Food Miles represent the distance our food travels from point of production to point of consumption and the environmental impact it takes to get it there. Since its inception in 2007, Roots volunteers have distributed over 29,000 pounds of donated fresh produce to local food assistance facilities, mainly through environmentally friendly bicycle deliveries. Help us surpass last year’s donations by growing a little extra in your garden or by lending a hand as a volunteer.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA works to create a mutually beneficial connection between consumers and farmers. In the spring, community members who want to support the CSA farm can buy a subscription from the farm. In exchange, once the season is under way, members receive a share of fresh produce every other week throughout the growing season. The size of the share depends on how many members the farm supports and what the farm is able to produce.
The beauty of a CSA is that it allows the community to be involved with the production of their own locally grown, environmentally friendly food. It reduces the impact on the environment, both in farming methods and in “food miles,” and provides superior nutrition not present in commercially farmed produce. Additionally, local farmers and businesses are supported in the exchange, keeping the economic investment within the community.
The Roots CSA is Coeur d’Alene’s first Community Supported Agriculture project and is located in Dalton Gardens, a region well suited for small scale farming and growing. Dalton Gardens has an agrarian history and the Roots CSA helps preserve this special area of farmland. Learn more about how you can contribute to this exciting new project.
