CSA Partnerships for Health

How does it work?

As participants of CSAP4H, patients of Multnomah County FQHCs receive CSA shares from local farms delivered to their homes, eliminating barriers to access. Participants also receive supportive resources to help them utilize their vegetables, such as recipes, a seasonal produce guide, and weekly newsletters. As a result of this access to nutrient-dense, locally grown vegetables, participants develop lifelong skills and incorporate a wider variety of nourishing foods into their meals. 

Due to the body of evidence CSAP4H partners have built that demonstrates the impact of the program, CSAP4H now works with insurers to provide CSA shares to patients just as they would prescription medicine. This financial investment from healthcare entities relieves the burden of cost from the participant and acknowledges the social determinants of health contributing to diet-related illness in low-income communities.

CSAP4H honors the importance of bolstering local agriculture and its stewards. Direct financial support to farmers fosters stability, enabling investment in essential resources, sustainable practices, and infrastructure improvements while mitigating risks like weather and market fluctuations. This support strengthens agricultural businesses and contributes to the resilience of local food systems.

Zenger Farm is grateful to provide a program that ultimately contributes to the safety of our communities, illustrating the potential for collective action to positively impact societal well-being.