Chris Ruder of Wicker Park wanted to eat more fruits and vegetables. He wanted to support local organic agriculture. And he wanted to know the person growing his food.So, like thousands of Chicagoans, he bought a share in a Midwest organic farm that would deliver weekly boxes of produce to the city in an arrangement called community-supported agriculture, or CSA.
"But the drop-off point was way on the North Side and at a time that didn't work for me," Ruder said of his experience last year. "And I figured if this was a hassle for me it must be a hassle for other people too."
In winter, when the Microsoft employee was in a brainstorming meeting about making his office building — the Aon Center — more green, Ruder suggested adding a CSA drop-off site. The committee loved the idea, and this summer the city's third-tallest skyscraper will become a delivery point for boxes of local organic produce more commonly dropped off on a neighbor's front porch or the local church.
In another sign that CSAs have moved beyond the hippie fringe, six of Illinois' tollway oases recently announced they will host CSA drop-offs from Harvest Moon, Scotch Hill Farm and Triple A Farms through the growing season. Harvest Moon will also serve Aon Center.
Isn't it great to see new signs every week of how momentum is building?
