Geiser grows and sells food locally
The idea of taking food straight from the garden to the table is not a familiar one for most Americans.
Kidron resident Karen Geiser is working to change that idea.
Geiser lives on a 78 acre family farm with her husband and five children, where she works all year round to keep her family fed.
“Most of our farm is in pasture, so we raise grass-fed beef, do pastured broiler chickens in the summer, plus we have a menagerie of other critters like goats, ducks, a dog and farm cats. I also have about an acre in the garden for vegetables and we have a number of fruit and nut trees for family use,” Geiser said.
Geiser used to run a Community Supported Agriculture program from her farm for about 10 years in which five to 10 families would regularly buy seasonal greens grown either in her garden or her greenhouse.
Though she no longer participates in the Community Supported Agriculture program, Geiser still grows greens for her family, even through the winter.
Geiser’s farm work falls largely during the growing season, though she stays busy during the winter.
“Education is a big part of what I do, and I do weekly demonstrations at Lehman’s store in addition to various talks on gardening, herbs and healthy living,” Geiser said.
Geiser says that though local food tends to be more expensive up front, buying local benefits the community by keeping the money close to home. Beside pricing, “Most food produced locally will also be generally more nutrient-dense, high quality and delicious,” Geiser said.
A big part of Geiser’s food philosophy is proper preparation of food.
“Since most local food is sold as a ‘whole food’ and not in a can or box, it is so important to have basic cooking skills and equipment [like pots, pans and knives], so you can use your food.” Geiser said.
Through her continued efforts in presenting and educating around the community, Geiser hopes to turn the tide of food consumption back toward local food.
