Fresh and Local At Worden Farm

With the new year comes added inspiration to live a healthier lifestyle.  It is that impetus to do more, eat less, work harder, love softer…and the list goes on.  It is however a palpable turning of the page that makes us feel like we can start anew with added vigor.  Many people plan to use this traditional time of year to just make simple changes with their diet and exercise knowing small consistent changes are the easiest to maintain.

One of the best aspects of living in SWFL, especially during the winter, is access to year-round locally grown and sourced foods.  We have so many produce stands, farmer’s markets, and several responsible grocers from which to choose our food.  To kickstart your health journey in 2025, we suggest healthy food seekers check out Worden Farm Worden Farm – Worden Farm, LLC .  Whether purchasing their beautiful produce from the Downtown Sarasota Farmer’s Market Sarasota’s Farmers Market – “An Opportunity for Community” or the Saturday Morning Market in St Pete Home – Saturday Morning Market, or getting their weekly Farm Box deliveries, Worden Farm is a local gem that everyone should check out. 

I first heard of Worden Farms during a field trip that my son’s third grade class took many years ago.  The children were permitted to take a  ride around the farm, learn how things are grown, discover a little bit about Florida produce, and see what Farm to Table eating is all about.  It left an impact on the kids and adults in attendance.  We participated in their weekly boxes after that and found the produce to be extremely fresh and well-priced.  Pack up the kids or grab your partner and head to Worden Farms today for a peek into where your food comes from. 

From their website:  Worden Farm, LLC is a 125-acre family farm in Charlotte County Florida, USA, founded by Chris Worden, Ph.D. and Eva Worden, Ph.D., husband and wife, growing certified-organic specialty crops with sustainable, regenerative agricultural practices since 2003. These crops are 100% USDA-certified organic, nutrient-dense, and available seasonally, fall through spring, through local farmers markets, farm boxes, farm events, and select retail partners. 

The Worden’s have promoted organic food and agriculture through experimental research, academic publications, videos, television shows, workshops, farm tours, university courses, conferences, consulting, and a farm apprenticeship program. Worden Farm’s consulting services help aspiring and fellow farmers to succeed in organic crop production and marketing.

Chris Worden’s doctorate is in Crop Science from University of Connecticut, and Eva Worden’s doctorate is in Ecosystem Management from Yale University. Chris and Eva both earned Master of Science degrees in Horticulture from University of Maryland, after earning undergraduate degrees by Chris at University of Maryland, and Eva at University of Florida. 

The Wordens are recipients of the Florida Innovative Farmer Award and have been recognized as Organic Farmer Experts by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Worden Farm has been featured widely in the media, including PBS-TV, The NBC Nightly News, FOX, Daytime, America’s Heartland, USA Today, Southern Living, Bon Appetit, American Farmer, Vegetable Growers News, The New Pioneer, Florida Grower, and Florida Trend.

Photos courtesy of Worden Farm Website.