| This thesis represents glimpses of lived experience of community-supported agriculture (CSA) to disrupt the taken-for-grantedness of food networks. These experiences are displayed through phenomenology-based stories by three personas: (1) a composite character of seven CSA members; (2) a grower of CSA vegetables; (3) and, myself -- researcher working as a CSA gardener. Together we offer a multi-perspectival picture of our experiences with local food and CSA relationships, with society, economy, and the environment in mind. Qualitative, lived experience data were analyzed by an iterative, embodied reflective writing process. The resulting emergent meanings contribute to an understanding of what it is like to participate in CSA. It is hoped that these stories from the inside can provide thoughtful challenges for those who wish to create environmental education opportunities in collaboration with community, especially with existing local food growers, towards becoming actively aware of the environment through food choices. |
