The more I research our food system, the more I realize that things definitely need to change.

Can whole towns or individuals become self-sufficient? Recently, I read an article about a small mill town, Todmorden, in Yorkshire, that is starting to raise all their own food with the goal to become totally self-sufficient by the year 2018. Yep, the whole town.

Outside their police stations are raised beds of kale, carrots, lettuce and onions. In total so far there are 70 garden beds placed around the town, and get this, all the produce is free for the taking.

Sounds too good to be true, but I guess it’s working. It’s funny, because as I drive around Austin, I see so many bare lots that would make perfect gardens. Wouldn’t it be great if these spaces were feeding people?

Well, we might not be that far along the local food chain here in Austin, but one thing the Farmers Market is hoping to offer next season for those of you that cannot make it to the market, is a CSA program.

What is a CSA? CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, you buy a share of produce for the season and you get your food either delivered to your home weekly or you can pick it up at a known, regular pick up area.

We are excited to possibly offer Austin residents this feature and you will hear more about it closer to the Market season and don’t forget to “like” the Austin Area Farmers Market Facebook page.

Here you can keep up with all the latest news in food education, local food sources, recipes and more.

 

*Read more about Todmorden: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2072383/Eccentric-town-Todmorden-growing-ALL-veg.html#ixzz1ihp0RYE8