What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between conscious consumers seeking high quality, ecologically produced food and the farmers who grow it.

The CSA model was developed in Japan and Europe and has rapidly gained popularity in the U.S. CSA members pay at the beginning of each season in exchange for a weekly share of the farm produce. CSA members assume some of the risks and rewards of farming in New England, recognizing that their shares will reflect seasonal variations in weather and other factors. Participating in a CSA is a way for consumers to establish a relationship with the source of their food, eat local produce fresh from the farm, support the farmers in their community, and support an alternative to industrial agriculture.

ACT NOW ON A GREAT OPPORTUNITY!!

The World PEAS CSA is offering Fresh, Local Vegetables that serve a greater environmental and social mission. Beginning farmers, enrolled with the New Entry Sustainable Farming Project are growing vegetables just 15 miles from Harvard, Concord and Carlisle in Massachusetts. Vegetables are harvested the night before or the morning of delivery, boxed and delivered to towns in the greater Lowell and Boston areas.

The World PEAS CSA is well on their way to finding the necessary 25 people to deliver to the Harvard, Concord and Carlisle area. If you would like to take part and receive a CSA share in this pick up area, please contact Matthew and let him know as soon as possible.

Each week's box of veggies includes a newsletter with information about the vegetables, the local farmers that grow them and recipe suggestions.

While you cannot choose what is in your box, over the past four years they have refined their CSA offering for seasonal perfection and a healthy diversity. What's more, the money you already spend on vegetables will go to supporting the efforts of nearly two dozen beginning farmers as well as other community organizations.

Each weekly box will provide enough vegetables to feed two hungry vegetarians or four omnivores (for $550 plus $50 membership for 18 weeks). If that sounds like too much, we encourage you to split the veggies and the cost with a friend, neighbor or colleague (each paying $325 for 18 weeks).

For more information, call or e-mail Matthew Himmell at 978-654-6745 or mhimmel@comteam.org. You can also click here for additional information about World PEAS.

Please feel free to forward this information to friends, family and colleagues in Eastern Massachusetts that may be interested.

If you are receiving this newsletter and you do not live in Eastern Massachusetts, click here to find a CSA in your local area.

What is a green smoothie?

Take any fresh greens you like and blend them with fruit and water. Green Smoothies are so easy to make, so quick and taste fabulous.

Greens are incredibly nutritious, however people struggle to get enough of them into their diet and often find them hard to digest. Green Smoothies are easy to digest. Nutrients are absorbed quickly and easily.

Adding fruit in your green smoothie makes them taste great and is also a clever way of getting a lot of fruit into your diet along with the greens.

Those who start adding green smoothies in to their diets soon notice a change in how they feel and are often surprised by the health benefits that go along with their new habit. Raw food eaters in particular have embraced this nutritional powerhouse to boost their already nutritious diet, and to find that missing element to achieving excellent health and vitality.

But like everything I teach I don't want you to take my word for it, I want you to experience it for yourself! That is why I created the "Green Smoothie Challenge". I want you to experience how great green smoothies can be for your health. I have at least a liter of green smoothies each day and absolutely love them!

What do you have to do if you join "The Green Smoothie Challenge"?

Simply have at least 16 ounces of green smoothies daily and discover the amazing benefits of adding green smoothies to your day!

The "Green Smoothie Challenge" starts on May 1, 2009 and it is free to join. You will receive daily e- mails with recipes, health tips, encouragement and answers to frequently asked questions.

I hope you will join me in "The Green Smoothie Challenge". It will be easy to do and a fun way to start your Spring!

Click here to join "The Green Smoothie Challenge"

1 apple
1 banana
2 cups flat leaf parsley
water
(1 cup, more or less for desired consistency)

Add water, parsley, banana and apple to a blender and blend to a smooth consistency. Enjoy!
I use organic ingredients and filtered water.

Note: If you do not have a high powered blender, blend the water and parsley first, then add the banana and apple chopped into small chunks for easier blending.

I use a Vitamix when I make my smoothies, but a regular blender will work too!

If you would like to learn more about the Vitamix 5200 I personally use and love. click here.

Eating consciously and living healthy lifestyles are very much a part of the yogic journey. For those wishing to explore different aspects of health and food, Kelly Bollman of Simple Balance will be offering samples of raw and living foods and recipes during the week of April 27-May 1 at the Durga Studio .

Based in Harvard, Massachusetts, The Durga Studio offers a series of vinyasa flow classes which are appropriate for men and women, beginners through intermediate, along with additional workshops for teens and children. In vinyasa flow, the focus is on connecting to one's body and natural rhythms while combining breath, postures, and of course some groovy music.

Click here to learn more about The Durga Studio and the founder, Jenn Sundeen.

Where women come for love, support and nurturing.

To learn more about the Women's Circle, which meets every other Monday evening, please contact Donna Messina.

April 21, 2009
7:00 - 9:30 PM
To learn more about Enneagram Workshops with Herb Pearce, M.Ed. click here