Organic, Local Produce Available in Peachtree Corners

Three years ago, almost to the day, I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid cancer; less than a week later, I underwent surgery to remove two malignant tumors in my throat in addition to my entire thyroid and surrounding lymph nodes.  Two rounds of radiation and daily meds followed.

This unwelcomed news came as quite a surprise to me, as I had no real symptoms and I was not feeling sick.  Yet, there “it” was - the dreaded “C” word  unexpectedly knocked on my door and invited its wretched self into my life.

Coincidentally, that same week, I received an unexpected e-mail from a local friend, Darlene Penner, announcing the prospect of a community supported agriculture group (or CSA for short) in Peachtree Corners.

The largest certified organic farm in the state of Georgia (Riverview Farms, one hour north) would deliver weekly boxes of unbelievably delicious and nutritious, freshly picked, organic, locally-grown produce.  All that was needed to charter a new group was a minimum of 25 families to subscribe.

Often, I wonder if there are really any coincidences in life, or if, rather, as my Mom would say, “Everything happens for a reason.”

Needless to say, I was overjoyed to receive that message.  I innately knew there was some kind of cosmic correlation between my cancer diagnosis and the “coming of the vegetables.”  I immediately mailed off my check and made it my mission to spread the word about this amazing culinary opportunity.

A month later, 75 subscribers (!!) lined up to receive a box chock full of broccoli, three kinds of lettuces, beets, carrots, collard greens, radishes and the juiciest strawberries.  I quickly realized that I could easily spend twice as much getting the same amount of organic produce at any local grocery store. However, what I’d be eating was picked hours earlier less than 100 miles from my home.

It was like Christmas in May.  The bag of strawberries didn’t even make it home, less than two miles away.

For me, the entire experience has been truly life-changing;  from the way I eat to the dishes I prepare for my children, to the way I spend (and therefore, vote) with my dollar, to the people with whom I choose to spend my time.

Now in its 4th season, the Peachtree Corners CSA has been a raging success, serving over 150 area families.  Pick-ups are on Wednesdays between 11:00-4:00 at a church in Peachtree Corners.  More information can be found on the group’s Facebook page or by e-mailing sustainablepeach@gmail.com.

To join, mail a check made out to Riverview Farms (no cash) to:  Sustainable Peachtree Corners, PO Box 922912, Norcross, GA 30010 postmarked by that season's deadline.  Please include your name and a valid e-mail address with payment.

• Spring Season: May 25-June 29 (6 week intro) $160, deadline to join: May 18
• Summer Season: July 6- Aug. 24 (8 weeks) $250,  deadline to join: June 22
• Fall Season: Aug. 31 - Oct. 19 (8 weeks) $210, deadline to join:  Aug. 17
• Winter Season: Oct. 26 - Dec.14 (8 weeks) $210, deadline to join:  Oct. 12

For an intro to learn more about what a CSA is all about and a mini-tour of Riverview Farms, click here to view a recent story that aired on CNN about our CSA. The reporter interviewed Charlotte (our farmer) and the footage was taped at our drop site.  It’s an excellent three-minute fun-to-watch intro into what our CSA is all about.

My six month check-in with my endocrinologist was last week; the test results were all extremely positive, and he actually used the optimistic words “on the path to cancer free” for the first time.  I’m 100 percent confident that adjusting my diet to a vegetable-based fare was the primary reason for the hopeful news. Perhaps I’ll celebrate with a bag full of Charlotte’s now-in-season strawberries!