Spring into Health: Support Local Farms and CSAs

Spring is here, and so is the return of our beloved farmers markets, brimming with vibrant, seasonal produce and wholesome food items from dedicated local growers. At Thrive, we love this time of year because it naturally encourages healthier choices and deeper community connections.

We’ve always emphasized the value of eating locally, seasonally, and organically whenever possible. Spring and summer make this easier than ever. One powerful way to commit to this lifestyle is by joining a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture program.

A CSA connects you directly to a local farm, providing you with weekly deliveries of fresh, seasonal produce. By subscribing, you receive top-quality food that’s just been harvested and access to unique fruits and vegetables that may not even be available in traditional grocery stores. It’s a wonderful way to expand your culinary horizons while improving your nutrition.

At Thrive, we proudly support CSAs; many of our team members are active participants. Why? Because CSAs are a win for everyone:

• For you: You get nutrient-dense, organic, and sustainable produce often at a lower cost than grocery store prices.
• For farmers: This means they receive guaranteed, upfront income and a reliable market, which helps them continue to grow food the right way.
• For the planet: Buying local reduces the carbon footprint by shortening the distance food travels, lowering transportation emissions, and avoiding global food supply chain disruptions.

Most importantly, supporting local farmers strengthens our community. These are your neighbors, working hard to produce food that protects our environment and nourishes our health.

Wild Hope Farm – Sign up for their Spring/Summer CSA!

We’re excited to give a special shoutout to Wild Hope Farm in Chester, SC, just next door! They grow certified organic, sustainably farmed produce and offer a CSA that delivers weekly to Charlotte. The season kicks off the last week of April, with the first pickup on Tuesday, April 29th, and runs for 14 weeks through the end of July.

You’ll start the season with nutrient-rich leafy greens, root vegetables, and brassicas, then transition into all your summer favorites. In addition to the vibrant produce, Wild Hope also offers add-ons to elevate your CSA experience, including:

• Verdant Sourdough Bread (available at Myers Park & Harris YMCA pickup locations)
• Wild Hope Flowers – brighten your table with fresh, local blooms

This CSA is more than a food box; it’s a direct partnership between you and the farm. Your upfront seasonal membership supports the real costs of growing food correctly. In return, you receive a weekly share of their freshest, certified organic harvest.

Your support does more than feed your family:

• It provides fair, living wages for farmers (starting at $15/hr in 2024)
• It funds regenerative farming practices that protect our soil, water, and environment
• It ensures you receive clean, chemical-free produce washed, packed, and delivered with care

At Thrive, we believe food should nourish both the body and the community. Joining a CSA like Wild Hope’s is one of the most powerful ways to do both. But don’t wait, these shares go fast!

As we head into summer, our Summer Simplified recipe series will showcase many seasonal delights. Our goal is to help you create healthy, effortless meals that support your optimal health without sacrificing flavor or ease.