16 Jan Urban Roots CSA Fills Your Fridge & Supports the Community

Founded in 2007 as a program of YouthLaunch, Urban Roots uses sustainable agriculture to increase the access to healthy food in Austin and transform the lives of young people.

Each year, Urban Roots partners with 30 Youth Interns, students from high schools in the Austin, TX area, to grow 30,000 pounds of fruits & veggies—40% of which is donated to local soup kitchens and food pantries. In addition to learning about the farm & growing vegetables, Youth Interns also benefit from a variety of workshops on sustainable agriculture, healthy lifestyles, life and job skills, and food justice issues. The remaining produce that is grown is sold through farmer’s markets and through Urban Root's Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.

CSAs connect farmers and members of the community with fresh, local produce. They support small-scale farmers and help strengthen the local food system. Members experience the seasonal fluctuations of produce with the farmer, recognizing the impact nature can have on local food production. Because the share is delivered directly from the farm, the produce stays fresh longer for you to enjoy.

Urban Roots' is now accepting members for their 2014 CSA Program, a 17-week season, running from late March through July. As a member, you will be part of the exciting sustainable food movement that celebrates fresh, local produce. You will also learn new recipes from Urban Roots staff and volunteers and eat with the Central Texas seasons. In addition to connecting community members with the farm, Urban Roots’ CSA also helps provide funding to continue their Youth Program, which uses sustainable agriculture as a means to transform the lives of young people as they increase access to healthy food in Austin. Urban Roots engages and empowers young people to learn about hard work, to connect with the land and to serve their community.

For more information or to sign up for Urban Roots’ CSA, visit www.urbanrootsatx.org/food/csa/