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Receive local, organic produce through CSA

Receive local, organic produce through CSA

Receive local, organic produce through CSA

LEXINGTON, Ky.—

Are you interested in receiving fresh, organic vegetables grown locally on Kentucky farms? For the fourth consecutive year, University of Kentucky employees with UK health insurance are eligible to enter a lottery for a limited number of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) vouchers. These vouchers can be used to receive significant discounts toward the purchase of produce shares at local farms.

The lottery will open Tuesday, Jan. 15, and will remain open until Jan. 22. Winners of the vouchers will be announced Jan. 24. 

HR Health and Wellness offers two voucher options:

  • $100 off a small produce share; and 
  • $200 off a regular produce share.

When you purchase a CSA produce share from a local farm, you become a member of that farm. You will receive a weekly share of fresh produce during the 20- to 22-week growing season. The full price cost for the entire season ranges from $440 to $650, but with a voucher, that cost is reduced to $340 to $450.

By offering CSA shares, farmers are able to plan and purchase what they need for the upcoming growing season, and members benefit from their savings.

Why should you consider joining a CSA? According to research from the Kentucky Farm Share Coalition and the UK College of Agriculture, Food and Environment, top reasons for joining include:

  • Enjoying better quality and greater variety in your diets.
  • Supporting local farms and farmers.
  • Helping your families to eat healthier.

You can learn more about the farms participating in this year’s Community Supported Agriculture program on the CSA voucher and Frequently Asked Questions pages. Also, HR Health and Wellness will be hosting “CSA Cafes” with Vanessa Oliver, UK Health and Wellness registered dietitian, where you can ask questions about how CSAs work. These drop-in, informational sessions will be held:

  • noon-1:30 p.m., Jan. 18, Gatton Student Center Starbucks; and
  • 2-3:30 p.m., Jan. 18, Kentucky Clinic Starbucks.

Community Supported Agriculture is an excellent way to connect with local farms while making healthy food choices for yourself and your family.

UK is the University for Kentucky. At UK, we are educating more students, treating more patients with complex illnesses and conducting more research and service than at any time in our 150-year history. To read more about the UK story and how you can support continued investment in your university and the Commonwealth, go to: uky.edu/uk4ky. #uk4ky #seeblue

Contact Information

Scovell Hall Lexington, KY 40546-0064

cafenews@uky.edu