Michelle Sedeca with Jackie Cefola, program coordinator at the NonProfit Center A staff member of a NonProfit Center tenant organization, Michelle writes this monthly column on life at the center, and the unique culture of a multi-tenant center created specifically for nonprofits. Photo:Michelle (left) meeting with Jackie Cefola, program coordinator at the NonProfit Center

The NonProfit Center feeds the body and soul. Besides plentiful professional development opportunities including workshops that examine donor communications strategies and how to navigate the new IRS 990 form, tenants now can nourish themselves throughout the workday and beyond.

Convenient and Healthy ...

Jarrett Man, owner of Stone Soup Farm located in Belchertown, Mass., provides a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at the NPC, as well as at locations in the Massachusetts cities of Leominster, Belchertown, Boston and Cambridge. The system operates by having CSA members prepay for either a half or full share of the season’s harvest.

Each week, tenants pick up their share within the building, making grocery shopping that much more convenient. Additionally, members enjoy chemical-free food while supporting a local farm.

“It is important that people connect with [their] food. It’s part of our ecosystem. CSA is a good way for people to commit themselves,” Man explains.

In addition to the sheer convenience of picking up fresh food weekly within a designated drop-off site, purchasing CSAs helps you support local farms, promote energy conservation and eat healthily.

... and Surprises Await You

Man also shares that CSAs offer surprises. Since participants prepay, they pick up a variety of produce which changes according to the season. “[CSAs] force you to try new things,” he states.

For example, NPC tenants can anticipate an unexpected veggie in their kitchen this summer. Described as “alien-looking” by Man, kohlrabi is an enlarged stem of a plant and can be eaten raw or cooked.

A Better Use of Resources – Including Yours

Despite the recent surge in food prices, Man has already sold 120 shares in Boston and sold out of NPC shares two months ago. “People have been pounding down the door,” Man comments.

According to Man, increased food costs haven’t yet adversely impacted Stone Soup as he transports food to nearby locations and doesn’t rely on chemical fertilizers. “The higher price of natural resources favors farms that are more resourceful of resources and less wasteful. For now, the trend is in my favor,” he says.

A Rocky Start?

For those intrigued by the farm’s name, Stone Soup originates from a children’s story in which weary, hungry travelers stumble upon a village where people are preparing a sparse soup with rocks. Gradually, as more and more people contribute an ingredient, the soup became hearty and robust. This metaphor represents Man’s goal: CSA members will be nourished by a spirit of community and healthy resources.

And while CSAs provide a host of benefits, Man reminds us that if a CSA program is not available or feasible for you, you can still get healthy, local food and support local farmers and smart energy consumption at local farm stands.

Eat Healthily Within the NPC

Only a short walk (or elevator ride) away, wholesome breakfast, lunch and catering options are now located within the NPC, thanks to Darnell Adams of Eat-In Style. Located in the building’s lobby, the café offers delights like fluffy croissants, strawberry muffins and raisin scones for the pastry-inclined, and an array of sandwiches and wraps, daily soups, and specials like eggplant Parmesan and shepherd’s pie.

“I provide fresh, locally made products to the extent that I can,” Adams explains. Similar to Man, Adams aims to surprise customers with unexpected products, such as bean pie, with an unanticipated sweet flavor.

Keeping It Fresh

Rotating items and introducing specials prevent people from getting bored, according to Adams.

While Adams has observed her vendors’ prices increase over the last two months of her café’s operation in the NPC, she has been able to maintain the same prices so far. “It’s insidious. Costs have risen across the board,” she explains.

Besides the convenience of grabbing a quick bite at the café, Adam’s catering options offers an added benefit to tenants. Undoubtedly, all organizations require catering for meetings. Now, rather than supporting corporate chains, tenants can easily purchase tasty, healthy food from the café and support a local business within their own building.

A Neighborhood Asset

“The foundation of the café and catering is the support of people in the building. [They] are essential to the well-being of the café,” Adams shares.

The eatery is also open to people within walking distance of the NonProfit Center. Neighbors from the Leather District, Chinatown and Downtown Crossing are invited to enjoy lunch at the NPC.

So even if you missed out on the now sold out CSA shares, you can still eat healthily by stopping by the café for breakfast, lunch or a snack, and plan for a CSA next year!

Please visit www.eat-instyle.com for a full catering menu.

Goodbye NPC!

I have recently accepted a new position as development/communications assistant at Casa Myrna Vasquez in Boston’s South End and will leave the NPC and South Africa Partners in July. Thank you for reading View from the Center over the last year and a half!

I have so enjoyed interviewing many of you in the nonprofit sector and have learned so much on a variety of topics relevant to those working for social justice. Your commitment to such important work inspires me, and I look forward to our paths crossing again!

- Michelle