Community Supported Agriculture, popularly known as a CSA, is a system that connects the producer and consumers within their food system more closely. Members pay for their produce share before the season begins, usually winter, which aids farmers in purchasing necessary products during a time when income is typically low. In return for becoming a member, subscribers receives a weekly box of produce or other farm goods. This includes in-season fruits and vegetables and can expand to dried goods, eggs, milk, meat, etc. 

In response to an identified need to find more local markets for Boyle Co. vegetable and meat producers, the Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent worked with farmers to create the Wilderness Trail Farm Share. This coalition is mainly comprised of seven Boyle Co. Farmers, who are producing a variety of different fruits, vegetables, and herbs, as well as eggs, beef, and chicken add-on options. This was an effort to be more of a one-stop-shop for members to get both their veggie and protein needs. Each farm is responsible for growing anywhere from 1-5 crops of their choosing, to be put into shares. Meaning one members box of produce may be comprised of items from 5-7 farms in any one week.  

The Boyle Co. Horticulture Agent reached out to Centre College in Boyle County to see if employees of Centre would be interested in taking part of Wilderness Trail Farm Share’s 12-week pilot CSA as part of their wellness program. Two share options were provided, a mini-share for single people or couples, and a full share for families. Egg, beef, chicken, and pork shares were also offered. Share pickups are on Centre’s campus once a week. This is the first farm-to-workplace CSA to ever to be offered at Centre. 

Shares Sold 

• Full Produce Shares: 10 

• Mini Produce Shares: 16 

• Beef Shares: 5 

• Egg Shares: 11 

A total of $6,686 will go directly to Boyle County farmers as a result of the creation of the Wilderness Trail Farm Share and Centre CSA, and hopefully a closer connection of Centre employees to the farmers who grow their food.