The Purloined Recipe

Cory and Shanti Rade, Whipstone Farm owners.

Anyone who joins the Whipstone Farm Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program becomes immediately enthusiastic about its features: farm-fresh produce (often harvested the day it is delivered), food with incomparable taste and nutritional value, support of a local family who cares for the land as well as the economy of the community, and an immediate relationship with Shanti and Cory, the people who produce the food that nourishes our bodies…all features worth far more than the monetary cost of an annual share.

On a larger scale, the weekly delivery of beautiful, fresh produce is valued by anyone who enjoys the seasonal variety of foods a local farm provides.  For individuals struggling financially, that value may be immeasurable: buying healthy, fresh food is especially difficult for those who make the least money.  On average, Americans spend less than 10% of their disposable income on food.  People living in poverty however, might spend up to 25% of their income to feed themselves.  Budgeting food dollars at a typical grocery store often necessitates buying cheaper, more processed and less nutritious foods.  Consequently, fresh produce is too often the first item removed from the grocery list of those with more limited incomes.

In 2007 in Yavapai County, 25,000 people  (12% of the population) lived below the US Federal Poverty Threshold ($21,000 per year for a family of 4).  In that year, 29%, or around 58,000 people, lived as ‘the working poor’, making $38,000 or less per year for that same family size.  The recent economic troubles that have hit Yavapai County (as well as the entire state) have likely increased these numbers and percentages beyond what they were only 2 years ago.

In an effort to help improve the diets and health of some of the struggling families in our community, Whipstone Farm has established a “farm share fund”.  Donations made to this fund will enable Shanti and Cory to provide 10 or more shares this year to families in need. Donating is easy, using PayPal, or a check designated for the fund may be sent directly to:

Shanti and Cory Rade
Whipstone Farm
21640 N. Juniper Ridge Rd.
Paulden, AZ 86334

Any amount is appreciated and will be put toward the eventual allocation of a share to someone in need.

So more families may benefit from funds received, Whipstone Farm will discount a donated share by $100, ask a family to contribute $100 (payable in two payments of $50 each), and use $300 from the farm share fund to make up the balance.  CSA members may nominate individuals for a subsidized share.  Individuals or families who are nominated should have an interest and ability to cook with fresh, seasonal produce and will need reliable transportation to pick up their shares each week.

Donate what you can today.  Doing so will not only provide healthy food to those who need it, it will also extend the reach of, and support of our local CSA – both worthwhile goals!

For more information on the Whipstone CSA Farm Fund, contact Rita at 928.777.9165 or by email at carey.rita@gmail.com .