Luther College
IN-25: Innovation B

Recognizing the importance of vegetable consumption as part of a healthy diet, the Wellness Program, Center for Sustainable Communities and the Health Care Council offer Luther College faculty and staff households a 50% reimbursement (up to $100) on vegetable CSA shares. This program was piloted in 2012, at which point 37 households participated. In 2013 participated sky-rocketed to 97 total households. Participation has remained steady at an average of 98 households from 2013-2018. Faculty and staff can choose from a variety of CSA options offered in the local area. All participants are required to participate in two food education events in order to qualify for reimbursement. Food education events include cooking classes, farm tours, work days, book discussions and more. According to a survey conducted with participants, 88% of 2018 participants report to have eaten more fruits and vegetables because of the program. Only 14% of respondents reported that they would buy a CSA share without financial assistance from Luther. 68% of participants reported an increase in home cooking, 88% have participated for more than one year, and 70% tried a new vegetable because of the program. This program not only has an impact on faculty and staff, but also on local farmers who have been able to develop or expand CSA offerings to meet increased demand coming from Luther employees.

https://www.luther.edu/headlines/?story_id=552722 Survey results are included in the "Additional documentation" section above. Luther College's CSA Reimbursement Program was one of three featured schools in the Fairshare CSA Coalition's 2018 publication, "CSA Incentives Toolkit." Included above as a publication featuring the innovation.