Back in April, I interviewed Anaiis Sales, the founder and Executive Director of Green Sanctuary Earth Institute of Pennsylvania.  Anaiis is running what she describes as “a scaled-up-CSA for the social service sector.”  To learn more about the model, check out the interview.

She recently provided an update on the endeavor, which I’m happy to share with you all.  I think Anaiis’ project shows the type of innovation that’s needed in this sector, without ignoring the real hurdles in legislation, policy, permitting, and finance that need to happen to make a project a success.  We wish you continued success in your endeavor!

Things progress apace here in Philadelphia. Our social service agency CSA pilot project is a success! Our clients are happy, we’ve had our first harvest, are about to plant hot weather crops, and plan our first feast in the field.

I’ve been approved as a PA Dept of Agriculture farming operation and we can now accept state vouchers for our produce at the new farmers market location/store we’re opening next month. Farm market and food justice education center all rolled into one space. Classes on sustainability, workshops, and…well, you all know the drill. Finally have our non-profit status with state of Pennsylvania, as well.

New web site to reflect success of our CSA model, and now therapeutic garden project with Eagleville Hospital just outside of Philadelphia — drug treatment facility.

We’re hoping to become an incubator project with a bigger non-profit sometime soon. I really can’t do much more by myself. Youth volunteers, so far, have been wonderful, along with friends and colleagues who pitch in when they can.

Photo by Bill Longshaw.