Our Farm Family

We love seeing you in the store weekly. Building relationships with you all is the most rewarding part of this job. Trust me, I love harvesting food, farmers’ markets, and seeing the pretty vegetables, but knowing you all, well, that makes my world go round.
This work wouldn’t be possible without the amazing farm crew, Sarahlee, and the wonderful land we tend to. But this puzzle of a farm family wouldn’t be complete without the amazing Melody.
She is the heart of the store. She knows all of your kids’ stories and what you’re doing this weekend. All while maintaining the store’s beauty. She has been an image of grace amidst an immensely challenging year for her and her family.
I deeply appreciate the ways she shows up for this place, for me and you all. Our most dedicated, consistent, and relational farm member.
I know you all love her, too, so give her a big thank you! She runs this place. I’m just the behind-the-scenes gal.

An important Full Diet Update! Please read!

Well, it’s with a heavy heart that I have to let you all know that I have decided to accept another position on a farm down in California. I thought nothing could pull me away from this place, but I am extremely eager about this opportunity. It’s been a dream of mine to work there for many years. This is completely unexpected!

I love this program and believe in it deeply. The ethos of this program are the same values we should all be building our lives on: Food, Community, Planet.

1. Food
Food is the intersection of all things. It is the one thing in life that brings humanity together. Growing, cooking, and sharing food can be and should be one of the most joyful things we experience. The world has made us believe that shopping for, cooking, and eating food is mundane. But food is not just fuel; it is connection, culture, stewardship, justice, creativity, and passion. Food is sacred and should be treated like it. So don’t take it for granted. Pull up a chair and lean in.

2. Community
A place is only as good as its people, and this place is abundant with people who are deeply passionate about feeding you and your family. I know you all know this, but walking into the store, seeing the abundance, watching Tristan chef up some greatness, and talking to Melody and me is only a tiny glimpse of the passion that is present here. Walking around during peak season, it is palpable, the amount of work, drive, and dedication the farmers have for this place and for you.

Only 1% of Central Oregonians are a part of a CSA. Imagining a world where everyone gets to feel the love and belonging of this place, well, what a world that would be. Not only the farmers, but you all! Your dedication to local, community-oriented food, man, that gets me out of bed in the morning. You all inspire me.

3. Planet
The beautiful planet we live on does not ask for much. She gives herself to us for free with the expectation that we protect her. Farming this land is stewarding it for the next generations. I once saw a quote that said, “We want to inspire the next generation to be architects of their future, not victims of it.” We owe it to our kids and their kids to give them rivers to play in, snow to ski on, and places to grow good food.

Farming is direct action toward protecting this beautiful and sacred home. I’ve said this before, and I’ll say it again: be an active member in the food system, not a passive one. Eating is an agricultural act, so take ownership of your part in it.

Remember, above all else, that you are the heart of this farm. Full Diet CSA members are the core of this place. You all show up in the most amazing ways, so thank you. Keep doing that, and we will most definitely keep showing up for you.

My last weekend will be the first weekend in March. Thank you all for showing me what it means to be a part of something bigger.

In abundance,
Isa