One Sequim farmer is taking the well-known saying, “You are what you eat,” seriously.

The ability to eat locally, seasonally and most importantly quality produce is one of the primary reasons Scott Chichester, owner of Chi’s Farm, has pursued a life rooted in agriculture.

“I love access to real, healthy food and I want to share that,” he said.

In hopes of connecting more of the community with locally grown, organic produce Chichester expanded the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share program at Chi’s Farm to better serve Sequim and Port Angeles businesses and their employees.

Through CSA individuals, families and now local businesses invest in the farm at the beginning of the season in return for weekly shares from the farm’s production.

Typically, CSA members have to visit the farm to pick up their share, but the recently piloted Employee Benefit Program seeks to make eating local, healthy produce more convenient, Chichester said.

Individual businesses or groups of neighboring businesses can have free delivery of weekly vegetables by purchasing CSA shares grown at the Sequim-based farm.

“Many potential customers have told us they find it difficult to regularly buy fresh, local vegetables because they don’t have extra time in their schedules to come to the farm to shop,” Chichester said. “We’re trying to find ways to increase that access and remove barriers to eating local all season.”

Given his belief that healthier food equates to healthier people and in-turn happier and ultimately more productive people, Chichester hopes business owners will be enthused about the program.

The Employee Benefit Program mirrors the CSA share pricing and seasons established at Chi’s Farm with varying options to serve singles, couples or families for either 10 weeks or 20 weeks.

The “Sweetheart Deal,” ideal for one to two people ranges from $175 to $325, whereas the “Family Share” is $325 to $600. Discounts are available for early registration and possible company discounts through the Employee Benefit Program.

“It would be great to see employers invest in their employees’ health,” Chichester said.

Although by participating in the Employee Benefit Program weekly shares will be delivered to the workplace, all CSA members still are invited to visit the farm and enjoy wood fired pizza every Wednesday afternoon throughout early summer.

For more information about Chi’s Farm and the program, visit chisfarm.com or call 477-2784.

Reach Alana Linderoth at                                   alinderoth@sequimgazette.com.