Health Update: Health Update: CSA Voucher Program offered by UK HR Health and Wellness – What Experts Say– What Experts Say.
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2026) — The Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) voucher program is back for its 12th year. It’s a way University of Kentucky employees and retirees on a UK health insurance plan can enjoy fresh produce and other items while supporting local growers.
UK HR Health and Wellness offers $100 or $200 vouchers toward the cost of a CSA share to help employees establish healthy habits such as cooking at home more frequently and consuming more fruits and vegetables.
The program has helped more than 5,800 employees in 34 counties enjoy CSA benefits, like:
- Access to nutrient-rich produce every week.
- Convenient pickups near work or home.
- Opportunities to meet and learn about local farmers.
- Knowledge that food dollars are kept in the community.
- Ways to try new foods and recipes.
“We were one of the first known universities to offer a CSA workplace voucher,” said Jody Ensman, UK HR Health and Wellness program manager. “We are proud to continue to invest in employee health through the UK HR CSA voucher program, and we hope more employees and retirees will participate in this benefit.”
How to claim a voucher?
Claim a voucher by visiting the CSA website and learn more about UK’s partner farms through the Health and Wellness dashboard. You will receive a confirmation email with a code and link to instructions on how to purchase a share from your chosen farm. You will use your voucher code when you purchase a share on that farm’s website.
What is a share?
A share is like a subscription to the farm. When you purchase one, the farm uses the proceeds to buy supplies for the next growing season. When the food is harvested, you receive shares of fresh produce delivered to convenient pickup locations every week. With your share, many farms offer weekly newsletters with tips and recipes to help you get to know your grower.
How do you choose a farm?
Participants can choose from 13 farms this year. Information about each farm is available on the website to help you select the one that suits your needs.
The 2026 partner farms are:
- Barr Farms
- Cleav’s Family Market
- Elmwood Stock Farm
- Flourishing Herbs Farm
- Hickory Grove Farm
- HomeGrown Direct
- Lazy Eight Stock Farm
- Magney Legacy Ridge Farm
- Mustard Seed Farm
- Old Homeplace Farm
- Rootbound Farm
- Sustainable Harvest Farm
- UK Organic Farming Unit
What size share should I purchase?
A smaller family or one that is trying CSA for the first time may want to start with a $100 voucher and share. Larger families may require more produce and purchase the $200 share. Choose the share size that is right for your needs.
UK employee Kera Ackerman has been a CSA member for several years.
“I have partnered with three farms over the years; each has their own specialty,” she said. “Some provide add-ons like pantry items or additional cheese or meat shares; others provide fruit along with their veggies. There is nothing better than finding fresh strawberries in your share.
“Community Supported Agriculture is a relationship. We get to know who is growing our food.”
Find more information about the voucher program on the CSA website or by scanning the code below. An FAQ at the bottom of the page answers many common questions. You can also contact healthandwellness@uky.edu.