April 26, 2024 // 

St. Stephen’s Church is excited to announce that we will be partnering with our friends at Good Courage Farms (GCF) this summer in a new program that benefits both lovers of delicious organic fruit and ministries addressing food insecurity in our community.

If you’re a fan of local food, you’ve likely heard of “CSA” farms – a model of Community Supported Agriculture in which consumers subscribe up front to a season of produce, providing timely income and a sure market for small farmers.

Using this model but adding an innovative twist, GCF is launching a pilot program this summer called FCSA or Faith Community Supported Agriculture. 

For $200, subscribers will pay for a buy-one-give-one season of fresh produce. From June-October subscriber households will receive 8 portions of delicious fruit AND will provide 8 equivalent deliveries of healthful, first-quality produce to meal ministries or grocery distribution. Two of the ministries receiving these deliveried are currently outreach partners with our parish – First Nations Kitchen and Casa Maria. In addition, McLeod County Emergency Food Shelf will also receive deliveries.

St. Stephen’s is only one of three churches that will be participating in this opportunity and there are a a total of 80 subscriptions available for all three congregations.

Produce will be available for pick up at St. Stephen’s on Sundays from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM on the following dates: June 30, July 14, July 28, August 11, August 25, September 8, September 22, and October 6.

Recipes and newsletters will accompany subscriber’s portion of berries, grapes, apples, pears, and more!

To learn more about this exciting program, visit https://www.goodcourage.farm/fcsa2024.

MEET ONE OF THE GCF FARMERS

You can also learn more about Good Courage Farm and this new program on Sunday, May 12th when one of their farmers, The Rev. Kerri Meyer, will be on site to preach at both morning services and participate in our Creation Care Fair following the 10:15 AM worship service.