La Cosecha

New Mexico

La Cosecha (which means “the harvest” in Spanish) is a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program started by the Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network, a farmers cooperative based in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Like other CSA programs, La Cosecha offers community members the opportunity to invest in local farms in return for weekly boxes of organic produce.

Since 2013, Presbyterian Healthcare Services has subsidized or completely covered CSA shares to combat food insecurity among low-income members of the community. Elligible participants are identified through referrals by the Wellness Referral Center - which connects patients to relevant community-based programs and education on chronic disease prevention and management. CSA shares are accompanied by a bilingual (Spanish/English) nutrition education handout including information about the farms, nutrition tips, kid-friendly recipes and storage guidance for the week’s produce. La Cosecha also offers in-person nutrition education sessions that include healthy cooking demonstrations taught in both Spanish and English.

Partner Organizations

• Agri-Cultura Cooperative Network
• Presbyterian Healthcare Services
• Adelante Development Center
• Approximately 17 partner organizations serving as distribution sites

Target Population

Low-income, native Spanish speakers living in the South Valley and the International District of Albuquerque

Care Team

Timeframe

2013 - present

Results/ Studies

N/A

Funding

Health system

Resources

Program website

Article by Health Care Without Harm (July 2017)