Does the Work in Beauty CSA Create Jobs?

By Elspeth Iralu
Photos by Eugene and Be Sargent

Work in Beauty, Inc. is a non-profit organization formed to create jobs that sustain, heal and harmonize with the environment.

Our primary project, the Work in Beauty CSA (Community Supported Agriculture), provides local produce to paying members on a weekly basis. CSA members receive fresh vegetables every Saturday throughout three growing seasons: spring, summer and late summer from gardens on the north side, downtown, Chihuahuita, 491 North and the west side.

In its first three years the CSA was a volunteer organization. All monies went towards building the gardens. This year, our fourth, we buy vegetables from the local growers pictured below and distribute their produce to our members.

To make growing for the CSA a full time job depends upon the response of the community. If all of Gallup depended upon local food production, many full time jobs would be created. As the real costs of transportation, handling, packaging and refrigeration are reflected in the price of food on the grocery store shelf, buying and selling produce locally will be more feasible and sensible.  Our method of handing you a box of veggies each Saturday may become the cheaper route.

Shares are still available! Call Amy at (505) 979-2693 for more information.

Tom Kaczmarek, grower

Gary and Tabitha Hallock, growers

Steve, Ray and Willa Heil. Steve is founder of the CSA, grower

Kelly Niedermeier, grower

Jake Trickey and Ella Scott, education and outreach coordinator, growers

Amy Halliday, food systems coordinator, a paid position

Mary Patten, grower

Kevin Buggie, grower