Our CSA project has always been fueled by many impulses and one of the most inspiring is the generous spirit of our members. Full Belly started making boxes years ago, in 1992. Earnest Partner discussions were only one element in the initial decisions. We also had a good friend, Beth, in Berkeley who organized the first delivery sites for us, managed member accounts, and still operates to this day, our most successful site in Albany.
One (one of many) of Beth’s most lasting gifts to our CSA community, was a connection to the Charlotte Maxwell Complementary Clinic (CMCC), a relationship which has continued to this day. The clinic is a “state licensed health clinic providing free complementary alternative medical treatments to low-income women with cancer” (from their web site). Their services include acupuncture, Chinese herbs, Western herbs, homeopathy, massage and therapeutic imagery.
Every week, five Full Belly CSA boxes are donated to CMCC and the box contents are distributed to clients, many of whom, because of their illness and life circumstances, may have a hard time shopping for themselves. The weekly CSA box donation is made possible through the generosity of many Full Belly members who designate an occasional box to go from their account to the Good Food Community Fund.
Several years ago we started a second Good Food Community Fund site, this time at Montalvin Manor Elementary School, where 100% of the students receive a free lunch due to low family income levels. Beth is a teacher at this school and in her latest update she reported that the five weekly boxes are being well used and enjoyed by the families at Montalvin. Families are dividing up the boxes every week and taking what they want. The school is starting a six-week parent cooking class this spring and at a kick-off event recently, they gave Full Belly veggies to the families who attended.
Thank you to all who are able to participate in these programs. For more information, go here.
Jordan, one of our outstanding interns, is spending this beautiful sunny day cutting back flowers in our perennial flower garden.
