b'when a Lay Marianist community simply set out to income neighbors, while others pay slightly higher Stephen Mackell, farm manager,meet the needs we experienced in the neighborhood, prices to offset operating costs. Launched in 2010 Mission of Mary Cooperativesays Mike Schulz, executive director of Mission of with just six participants, the CSA attracted moreMary. They now are beginning to reap the harvestthan 100 members in 2020.of all their labor.Mission of Mary staffers encourage neighbors togrow food themselves through a Community GardenMeeting people where they are program (providing rentable raised beds in larger farmToday, Schulz and farm manager, Stephen Mackell, plots) and a Backyard Garden program for those withoversee a year-round urban farm operation. The non- space to tend plots in their own yards. profit grows more than 80 varieties of vegetables, herbs Single mother Sierra Hickland marvels at the impactand fruits on more than four acres of land scattered a backyard garden has had on her familys eatingthroughout Twin Towers. Their nutritious fare contrasts habits. I like to have fresh fruits and vegetables,sharply with the mainly processed options offered by she says, but sometimes they couldnt afford it. Now,a local convenience storethe areas only other along with tomatoes, green beans and cantaloupe tofood source. feed her little crew, she even raises herbs for smoothiesEach year, Mission of Mary produces more than to help treat her sons asthma.52,000 pounds of food, selling most of it to Dayton-area None of that would have been possible withoutfamilies who buy shares in a Community Supported Mission of Marys assistance, Sierra notes. I had no ideaAgriculture (CSA) program. A two-tiered pricing system how to even start. I didnt know anything about garden-ensures that delicious produce is affordable for low- ing, so, to be honest, I probably wouldnt have done it.marianist.com/donate 19'