Meet CSA Members Vincent and Elena

Elena grew up in Portland, while Vincent spent the first half of his life on the East Coast. Elena works as an IT Project Manager and Vincent a Cloud and Security Engineer.

They both enjoy spending time outside enjoying nature. It is one of the reasons they decided to recently relocate from Portland Metro to the Columbia River Gorge (an hour and a half away) in order to take advantage of what Vincent calls ‘rural amenities’ - “We have easy access to rural amenities which is what I've been calling it since urban amenities makes it sound like all the good stuff is in the city. I'd rather travel into the city for the urban amenities and have the rural ones next to me. It makes me happier and nature is a big part of it”.

But don’t fret, you will still see them at the Portland Meat CSA pick up once a month. As committed members who share a passion for good food and animal welfare, they love trying new things and sharing new experiences. It is one of the reasons they were drawn to the Meat CSA in the first place and what makes them valued members of our Double F Ranch CSA community.

Join Date

2012 to 2015 and 2018 to today
 

CSA Interest Begins

Vincent first became aware of the CSA after hearing good things from a friend. He decided to join after discussing more about the farm with Nathan and learning more about how the animals were cared for and about the quality of the meat. “I grew up around farms so I care a lot about how the animals are treated which is one of the biggest things for me about the CSA”.

Vincent took a break from the CSA after moving out of state. As time went on and he and Elena relocated back to the northwest, she too became interested in the CSA. Elena had spent time as a vegetarian after not finding meat that met a high standard of quality and care for land and animals. After learning about the quality of the CSA she felt at peace with eating meat again.
 

Returning Members

After moving out of state, Vincent and Elena joined another local CSA. However, they were not impressed. “The CSA we had in Maine was supposed to have a variety of stuff but it was overloaded with ‘chicken and carrots!’, ‘chicken and carrots!’ It was always unbalanced”.

“But here, Katia does an amazing job keeping [shares] balanced each month. I didn't even realize how big of a deal that was until I didn't have it anymore”.

Over time, as they considered options for where to live, they were drawn back to Oregon and recognized a move back meant being able to rejoin the CSA. This was a huge plus for them and they were excited to become “returning” members.
 

What’s great about the CSA?

• Quality of meat

• Community aspect

• Stewardship of animals and land

• Variety and balance in shares each month

• Member support through new recipes

• Farmstead products like soap and seasonal items at Winter Market

Vincent and Elena enjoyed watching how the CSA has progressed over time. From the swap cooler to the introduction of the online store. “It’s really nice how all these little things have fairly added to the quality of life of being a CSA member”.

They love that the CSA listens to what is going on and responds, embodying the community part of Community Supported Agriculture, especially during the pandemic. “I really enjoyed the step up by participating in it and appreciate everyone else who has participated during the pandemic. You know, donating to the free fridges or delivering to the free fridges. It’s nice being part of it. Katia went right into it and we all stepped up and she clearly listens to the community and responds”.

Likewise, with all the new recipes and tips that show up in emails, Facebook posts and blog posts, “at this point I have too much [content] to keep up with but it’s a good problem to have”.

Go To Meal

Vincent and Elena both enjoy a quick meal of Andouille or Polish sausage with broccoli and white sauce. The addition of mushrooms is a welcome bonus.

Favorite Cuts

Vincent’s favorite cut is pork chops and Elena’s is carne asada.
 

Cooking Style And Abilities

Over time, they have embraced a more open and flexible approach to meal planning. Being a part of the CSA encouraged them to put more time and energy into cooking the meat to make the most of it and bring out more flavor.

“If you get a really great kind of steak you don't just throw that in the oven by itself and do nothing else to it”.

“I'm much more likely to use marinades or proper seasoning with CSA meat instead of being lazy with it. It forces you to think about those things - because it feels special!”.

This shift in mindset has led to a noticeable change in their cooking - the quality of the meals have gone up because they feel inspired to match their efforts to the quality of the food.

CSA Memories

Both Vincent and Elena miss the block party atmosphere of pre-Covid pickups. They enjoyed connecting with others and sharing Uncle Chuck’s “better than the store” homemade wine. They look forward to a day when the community meet-ups return.

Thank you so much Vincent and Elena for talking with Rachel about your experience and for sharing your CSA story with us!