Search CS

 

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE



Since joining Boston's Jamaica Plain neighborhood in 2007, Community Servings has become a source of local produce for our neighbors. At the same time, our community initiatives support our primary mission of feeding the critically ill, their caregivers and their children. 

We are excited to contribute to such a vibrant community by:

 

Increasing use of local foods for our clients: Our abundance initiative has elevated our approach to nutrition care for the critically ill by increasing access to fresh produce and other local foods.

In 2012, 25% of our produce came from the 27,650 pounds of fruits, vegetables and dairy products given to Community Servings - all of these donations are worth over $55,000! Through a partnership with local farmers and purveyors, we receive fresh food that remains unsold or left in the fields. Everything finds a place in our kitchen - whether it be beautiful produce, delicious bread, milk, coffee, eggs, yogurt or ice cream.

Serving as a pick-up site for local produce:  Through a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) initiative, our neighbors create a relationship with a local farm to access freshly picked produce. Since 2008, Jamaica Plain residents have visited Community Servings to pick up their weekly supplies of fresh, beautiful produce. By purchasing shares of the farm's crop, our neighbors are supporting local agriculture and reducing their carbon footprints. At the same time, our sick clients benefit because we receive 10% of the proceeds from the shares and all of the farmer's surplus produce for our meals program. To sign up for the CSA, click here.
Growing and maintaining an on-site herb garden:  In June 2009, Community Servings planted seedlings for its first herb garden in 100 feet of planters along the side of our building.  In partnership with The Growing Connection, a grassroots project developed by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, Community Servings purchased Earth Boxes at a reduced price. In these high-tech growing systems that use less fertilizer and water than a conventional garden, we grow herbs and arugula for our clients' meals. This past summer, with help from some great little gardeners, we planted our second annual herb garden adding another 30 feet of planters! Thanks to our 5 year old volunteers and their parents - the "Cloverbuds" for all their hard work! Click here for pictures.

Serving as a pick-up site for local fish: Through a Community Supported Fisheries (CSF) initiative, the public can pick up fish weekly provided by the Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association and Cape Ann Fresh Catch. Extra fish and shares that are not picked up are generously donated to help feed our critically ill clients. To sign up for the CSF, click here.