Prairie Wild Veggie Box Subscriptions Available for 2021!

Winter has arrived in Manitoba and the greenery has headed into hibernation, but we’re already preparing for the 2021 season at the Churchill Wild polar bear lodges. We’ve also got something special from Prairie Wild for people in Winnipeg and the surrounding area!

Prairie Wild is a sustainable orchard and produce farm located in southern Manitoba, founded on the principle of holistic small-scale agriculture, and operated by our own Riley and Karli Friesen. This exciting initiative will enhance the culinary experience at Churchill Wild’s lodges and bring a new level of innovation and freshness to local tables.

We should have more fresh produce than ever at our lodges in 2021 now that Prairie Wild is in full swing, and this year’s harvest is expected to include head lettuce/loose leaf, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, melons, carrots, turnips, onions, brussels sprouts, beets, radishes, cauliflower, kale, sweet corn, squash, celery, kohlrabi, spinach, eggplant, broccoli and swiss chard. We may also have strawberries and apples.

We believe that everyone should have access to high quality produce grown without pesticides and our prices reflect that principle. We have put aside a significant part of our harvest to sell to local grocers and through a limited number of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscriptions.

There will be 50 subscriptions available to people in Winnipeg and the surrounding area this summer through our special 16-week CSA Veggie Box Program. Like Netflix (but tastier!), this is a subscription product composed entirely of veggies!

In essence, Community Supported Agriculture operates as a contract between the farmer and the customer. As we share in nature’s bounty, so do we weather the storms together. Unlike a grocery store, a CSA box might be light one week and overflowing the next, depending on the growing conditions at the time of harvest.

The way it works is simple: You select a 1/2  share ($210) or full share ($420), sign up and pay for your produce, and receive a box of fresh veggies every week for the entire growing season from June to October. Please note that subscriptions are pick up only in Kleefeld, with some limited delivery options to Grunthal and Steinbach at present.

Orders for the 2021 CSA Veggie Box Program will be accepted on a first come, first served basis, with an early bird discount available for payments received prior to February 1, 2021. Please feel free to pass this offer on to any friends or family who might be interested in fresh vegetables this summer!

Though our produce will make many adventures north, we remain grounded in our southern roots. According to National Geographic, 75% of the world’s food is comprised of just 17 species — 12 plant and five animal — which is the result of large-scale agriculture. Small-scale farming has been proven to boost overall biodiversity, an outcome we’re eager to support with our family-run operation.

For more information, you can email Riley at prairiewildmb@gmail.com or sign up for email updates here. You can also contact Prairie Wild by phone at (204) 392-7690 should you have any questions or you just want to sign up for your CSA Veggie Box Subscription early…

While dreaming about your delicious in-season veggies to come!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture is a contract between the farmer and the customer, essentially a gardening service: we grow your veggies for you!

2. Why purchase veggies through a CSA?

You will receive the freshest vegetables, harvested on the same day you pick them up. You’ll have a relationship with the person who grows your food and get the benefit of supporting your local economy. You have a say in what we grow; we are always changing to reflect the needs of our customers. And with less packaging and transport needs, it is a true farm to table experience.

3. What is included in my subscription?

Every week you will receive a box of the freshest vegetables that are ready for that week. We organize our planting to ensure you receive a variety of vegetables all season long.

4. How much produce is the boxes?

A full subscription should accommodate the veggie needs of a family of 5-6. A half subscription is a good amount for the average needs of 2-3 people. If you are an avid soup and smoothie maker, you may find you need more than the average.

5. What if I don’t want all my veggies?

We understand that not everybody will like all the veggies in some boxes; we suggest passing them on to someone else or trying one of the delicious recipes that come with the box!

6. Can I choose what goes in my box?

Unfortunately not, the box includes whatever is ready for that part of the season. There may be times that you will be able to trade one item for another if supplies last. We will do what we can to accommodate whenever possible.

7. What if I go on vacation?

Feel free to pass your box onto someone else -– we know they will enjoy it!

8. Are there any substitutions?

See question 5.

9. Are you organic?

We are not yet certified but are looking into the certification. Ask us about our growing standards, which are above and beyond what the organic certification calls for.

10. Are there options for fruit?

We have a three-acre orchard that is still in its adolescence but are hopeful we can offer a fruit subscription in 2023. There may be small amounts of strawberries and apples ready before then.

11. How many CSAs are available this year?

We are only selling 50 spots. Sign up early to reserve your subscription!

12. How do I sign up?
Email prairiewildmb@gmail.com to sign up and for any more questions you may have.

Contact Information:

Riley and Karli Friesen
Prairie Wild
25120 Rd 35 N
Kleefeld, MB R0A 0V0
Email: prairiewildmb@gmail.com
Phone: (204) 392-7690