The Lewis and Allen families at Prodigal Farm's with Kathryn Spann and David Krabbe in April 2011.

We are a little different than other organizations. We are not a traditional CSA, which is farm-owned. We are not a traditional co-op, which is completely member owned.

We are an incorporation founded by individuals looking to make it easier and more convenient for average food consumers to find good, healthy, local food. We specialize in home delivery of North Carolina grown, raised, and produced food to our members in the state of North Carolina. We promote local farms and producers to help sustain and grow the local economy and to help farmers stay on family-owned farms. We encourage our members to continue to learn about local food and seasonal eating by promoting sustainable events and farm tours. We appreciate the communities in which we serve and live by trying to give back through fundraisers, donations, and more. While we are not "owned" by our members in the traditional sense of a traditional co-op, our members do own Carolina Grown by giving feedback; contributing news, ideas, and recipes; and by supporting efforts to support local communities, support local farms, and more.

Joseph Allen, president and CEO: Joseph formerly worked for both FedEx and UPS, and has always enjoyed working with technology.

Chris Lewis, vice president and COO: Chris Lewis is a licensed general contractor and formerly worked for Builders of Hope and as a manager for UPS.

Vicky Allen, vice president and CMO: Vicky Allen is a former copy editor and page designer in the newspaper industry. Wife of Joseph, she focuses on Carolina Grown while staying at home to raise her children. Vicky recieved a bachelor's degree in English with a minor in physchology from Methodist University in 2003.

Vicky is the daughter of a retired Air Force master sergeant, who retired at Pope Air Force Base and remained in Fayetteville. Vicky's extended family lives in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, and she learned the art of canning from her uncle, who grows a huge garden every year and preserves his vegetables for the winter months. Since the decision to stay home with the children, she has been an avid watcher of the Food Network, perusing recipes online, and cooking and baking. She also is an avid reader. Follow her blog at carolinagrown.blogspot.com.