Overall Approach
Members bring funds, equipment, and/or time, and they share the bounty. Members' giving need not match their receiving; this would counteract the spirit of giving and receiving freely in community, and it would be stifling (if not impossible) trying to price and pay for every act of kindness. Besides, laboring and sharing with others is joyous!
This said, we try to match members' "orders" to production, sharing excess and shortfalls.
This said, we try to match members' "orders" to production, sharing excess and shortfalls.
Plan Together
November to March: (1) Plan who produces what and how much where, (2) order seed in bulk if desired, (3) identify and allocate needed resources like experience/knowledge, equipment, and compost. In planning, we invite our Leader Jesus to guide our decisions.
Produce Together
April to October: In addition to the community garden between North 1st and 2nd streets next to the train tracks, home and land owners/renters organize production efforts on their lot(s). They call in help on major tasks like building planter boxes and coops, installing crop watering systems, placing dirt and compost, planting, and chores during vacations. Our Creator brings abundance.
Harvest Together
June to October: Harvesting, processing, and storage go hand in hand, and they are a lot of work. We process outside, use home kitchens, and do canning in one of several commercial kitchens. We joyfully fellowship and thank our Provider for the harvest.
Distribute Together
June to October: Root cellars, pantries, and chest freezers hold the year's harvest, and where individuals need to store their portion in another group member's space, we accommodate. But there could be more storage places built. If all goes well, the club will be able to provide ingredients for the future restaurant (maybe the Club could help get one going). In the mean time, the Garfield Farmers Market provides seasonal sales of preserves, fresh baked goods, veggies, and more.