Community Supported Agriculture

Yesterday, I packed up the car and went out to Loxahtachee to visit Swank Farms.  It was part of a Palm Beach County Planning Congress event.  This is group of Palm Beach County planners and related professionals that has been in existence since 1975.  It first started out as more of a policy making/advisory board to the Palm Beach County Commission on land use and zoning issues.  By the late 1980s it had morphed into more what it is today.  Now it is part social and part educational group for local professional planners and others.  Many of our events, such as the one yesterday, allow members to earn continuing education credits to maintain American Institute of Certified Planners status.

We were treated to a couple of different presentations related to local and sustainable agriculture.  One of the more important ones that might have direct Lake Worth implications is the creating of community gardens.  Amy Stelly talked about a small lot in the Pleasant City area that was changed into public open space with edible plants - thus the term landing on for zoning purposes. The garden was funded by the Quantum Foundation, through the West Palm Beach CRA - conduit for the grant.  She talked about the fact that much of our urban areas are essentially "food deserts" - where people rely on what is fast, cheap and convenient - but also contributes to obesity and the host of other public health issues.  This represents a small, but important and symbolic step in correcting the problem.

Given that I have heard Commissioner Mulvehill talk about this concept before, I invited her to be part of the event.  She attended and I think she got a lot out of it.  You can see her in one of the pictures when we were in the greenhouse.

The meal consisted of about 90 percent of produce and other products that are part of the Community Supported Agriculture program here in Palm Beach County.  Dak of Pizzeria Oceano served as chef for the event.  His restaurant is on East Ocean Avenue in Lantana, just behind the Walgreens.  Check it out sometime and mention that you heard about it here and through the Planning Congress.