Carolina Eats

by Abby Reimer 

When Sprout, a Nourish venture, started its community supported agriculture program back in 2012, they had about 100 customers.

But by last semester, the numbers had dwindled down to about 25.

The bundles had too many leafy things, Sprout Co-Chair Gabriele Juskeviciute said. Plus, you had to commit to six weeks of produce.

How much kale can one person eat?

“Eventually some customers weren’t satisfied with the types of the produce,” Juskeviciute said. “It was kind of hit or miss because it was whatever was in season that week.”

Sprout received an email from Richard Holcomb, owner of Coon Rock Farm, where Sprout got its produce.

He noticed the numbers were going down, and suggested a partnership with Bella Bean Organics, an online “farmers’ market” that delivers meat, produce and other local food stuffs.

Holcomb and Jamie DeMent launched Bella Bean Organics back in 2009, partnering with local businesses and farms, like Chapel Hill Creamery, Melina’s Fresh Pasta and Counter Culture.

“We thought it was time for a change,” Juskeviciute said.

Bella Bean orders have a minimum order of $20, but those ordering through Sprout have no minimum order, no delivery charge and no sales tax.

Bella Bean is also donating 20 percent of proceeds to Sprout, which uses all its profits to fund Nourish’s international community-development projects. 

“We’re all about feeding people, so helping provide access to better food in places in the world where it’s hard to find is right up our alley,” DeMent said in an email.

Students can order on Sprout’s website, either a la carte or a “suggested box.”

The suggested box is $20 and has five items every week, and it’s not just greens, Sprout Co-Chair Nisha Saxena said.

photo by Jessica Cabrera 

Before, Sprout’s goods were delivered to the Campus Y. Now, they’re dropped off weekly at the Union, a switch that helps Sprout appeal to more students, Saxena said.

In its third week, the partnership looks like a success, Saxena said. About 35 people have ordered, and there have been repeat customers.

“We do feel a bit better about this,” Saxena said. “Students and faculty really need this resource on campus and I’m really happy we’re able to bring it to them.”

More variety, like bread or fruit, encourages students without kitchens to order, Saxena said.

While Sprout doesn’t mark up costs, prices can be high compared to Harris Teeter or Trader Joe’s.

For instance, a dozen Coon Rock Farm eggs cost $6 through the ordering system. Organic eggs at Trader Joe’s start at $3.79, and Harris Teeter sells them for $3.99.

Weaver Street in Carrboro sells a dozen eggs from Lattas Egg Ranch in Hillsborough for $2.79.

But Bella Bean’s prices change, like all other produce, based on season, Saxena said.  

Another UNC-CH group, The Sonder Market, is developing an on-campus food cart stocked with locally sourced goods.

Saxena said Sprout doesn’t see the market as a competitor, and have already discussed a future partnership.

“We both have a similar goal,” she said.