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<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>It looks like
we have an opportunity to start a community supported agriculture (CSA)
program here in OKC, and I wanted to assess interest on the consumer side.
With a CSA, members purchase shares in the project up front at the beginning of
the year in exchange for a weekly supply of produce throughout the growing
season. There are several advantages:</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>* Produce will be
fresh, organic, and locally grown (not certified, but organic principles will be
used).</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>* Because there's no
"middle man," the consumer pays less and the farmer earns
more.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>* Members pay
up front, which provides the farmer with money to invest in seed and
equipment.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>* Members have a
stronger connection with the land, knowing where their food comes
from.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>* In our case,
members would be supporting a nonprofit program that provides work training and
rehabilitation</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2> to
ex-offenders who would otherwise be homeless.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>That's business,
environment, and social justice, all in one project. Can it get more
sustainable than that?</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>We're still in the
early stages so I don't have many details on the price, etc., but please do let
me know if you'd be interested in subscribing as a member. My guess is
that it will take 25 members to make it worthwhile.</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>If you're have an
interest in CSA and would like to get involved in the planning, please drop me a
line. This is a new thing for OKC, although it's been done in Tulsa and is
very popular in some parts of the country. There's a lot of room for
involvement at this early stage!</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial
size=2></FONT></SPAN> </DIV>
<DIV><SPAN class=546454819-26082005><FONT face=Arial size=2>Have a nice
weekend,</FONT></SPAN></DIV>
<DIV><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Jennifer Gooden</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>Program Coordinator</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2>The Homeless Alliance</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=left><FONT face=Arial size=2></FONT> </DIV></BODY></HTML>