Put Money, Values Where Mouth Is

Every Thursday, for the past 16 weeks, I have walked four blocks to a store in our neighborhood to pick up another box of delectable surprises.

The surprises? Some of the freshest, tastiest and most ethically grown produce in the upper Midwest. It's fresh because it’s grown two hours from our home. It's tasty because it’s picked less than 24 hours before it’s on our kitchen table, and it's ethical because it’s organic.

So, why is a financial guy talking about the produce I buy? Because the decision to participate in this unique program is deeply rooted in our values (Susan's and mine) and the choices we make with our money.

The program we have been participating in is a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. In short, we purchased a share of produce for the summer from Featherstone Farm in Rushford, Minn. For the very reasonable price of $350, we receive 26 weeks of produce -- everything from heirloom tomatoes, bok choy, Yukon gold potatoes and raspberries to a variety of melons.

In addition to the weekly box of fresh produce, we also receive a newsletter with recipe ideas and information on lesser-known vegetables, and updates on crops, farm projects, and activities.

Not only has the produce found its way into several dishes this summer, but it has also given us the opportunity to share the story of our CSA participation with friends and family who are curious about the program.

The decision to sign on was easy. It fits perfectly with the other choices we make with our money. That is -- buy from people whose values align with ours.

Too often in America, we buy food (in this case produce) without thinking about where it comes from, what methods were used to grow it or if someone was paid a fair wage for producing it.

A few weeks ago, we got a chance to meet Jack and Rhys, the two gentlemen who run Featherstone Farm. They were in our neighborhood hosting a potluck for local CSA participants.

I asked them why they do what they do. After all, not only it is physically demanding work, but they are 100 percent weather-dependent. Jack, a Yale gradate, said, "Because this is what I am most passionate about -- connecting people like you to healthier, more ethical food options."

The next time you are buying produce, use this easy checklist to make sure your values are part of the buying decision.

1. The produce I am buying is organic (yes or no).
2. I know that the person picking them was paid a fair wage (yes or no).
3. I know how far the produce traveled (think impact on the environment) to reach my home (yes or no).

How many different ways can you apply your values to your purchasing decisions -- be it food or other consumer products?

Americans spend nearly $480 billion at the supermarket each year.

Source: Food Marketing Institute

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