December 25, 2009
Seton Harvest encourages sustainable agriculture
Seton Harvest, a Community Supported Agriculture farm on the grounds of the Mater Dei Provincialate west of Evansville, was begun in 2005 following a proposal from the eco-justice committee of the Daughters of Charity.
Members of the community buy shares in the CSA, receiving weekly shares of vegetables and root crops grown on a 10-acre plot.
In 2009, 55 full shareholders and 91 half-shareholders, along with designated charities, received 33,680 pounds of produce — ranging from beets and boc choy to winter squash and zucchini.
Charities receiving fresh vegetables included St. Vincent Day Care, St. Peter’s UCC Food Pantry, The Potters Wheel, Little Sisters of the Poor, the Christian Life Center, the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and the Ozanam Family Shelter.
Farming is done using all natural methods, and also emphasizes the practicality and freshness involved in consuming locally grown vegetables. Farmer Joe Schalasky has been available for school field trips, media interviews and other educational efforts.