Episode 9: Wellness Farming: How Ananda Gardens Connects CSA Members to Health & Land

Not every farmer runs a formal education program—but every farmer has the power to educate. In this episode, I talk with Melisa Oliva, co-founder of Ananda Gardens in Montpelier, Vermont. Alongside her husband, she started the farm in 2015 with a vision to go beyond organic produce—building a farm that cultivates wellness, education, and connection.

🌿 What we cover in this episode:

• Melisa’s inspiring journey from yoga and expressive arts therapy to farming.


• How Ananda Gardens uses CSA newsletters, farm tours, and recipes to teach customers without preaching.


• Why engaging parents is just as important as teaching kids—and how adult education impacts the next generation.


• Practical ways to help CSA members eat seasonally, try new vegetables, and make lasting health changes.


• Collaborations with chefs, businesses, and even Montpelier’s local government to spread awareness of local food.


• Melisa’s advice for farmers who don’t see themselves as educators, and why sharing your story is both education and marketing.

Ananda Gardens shows us that production farms can be powerful education hubs simply by connecting people to their food and modeling wellness in everyday ways.

📍 Learn more about Melisa’s work at www.anandagardens.com.

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