In 2020, Ashley and McKinley Worley started Abounding Acres in order to connect with nature and provide food for their community. Originally focusing on pasture-raised meats, they quickly found a love for growing fresh, high-quality produce, and decided to expand their garden into a small-scale market garden operation, which now grows over 50 varieties of produce for market using organic growing practices. Since August 2022, Ashley and McKinley, along with their three sons Hudsen, Harper, and Holden, have been bringing pasture-raised chicken, eggs, and produce to market. Their newest undertaking, Fresh Market Co., takes their own produce, along with other CFM vendors’, to create value-added products for market, such as vegetable trays, pre-made salads, pesto, and salad dressing.
Family and community connection are the driving motivations behind the Ashland farm. “We love getting to spend time together as a family and sharing a common goal. We appreciate getting to connect our children with their food source, as well as teaching them about entrepreneurial skills and opportunities,” says Ashley. As a homeschool family, Ashley and McKinley, with a little help from their boys, work hard to prioritize in order to get it all done, often working 16 hour days in peak season.
Selling exclusively at the Columbia Farmers Market, the Worley’s appreciate the community support from customers at the market, as well as their fellow CFM vendors. “CFM has given us the ability to connect one on one with customers and vendors. [It] allows us to reach a larger number of folks that share the passion to support local farmers and eat local food.” That one on one connection is essential for local farmers, says Ashley. “Buying from a local farmer keeps more dollars in the local economy. It also offers the freshest food for the consumer while giving them the opportunity to talk with the producer about their farming practices.” Ultimately, it’s that community connection that keeps the Worley’s coming back to CFM each week. “We couldn’t do what we do without their support.”
Pre-orders are available at their online store aboundingacres.com. Find more information about Abounding Acres and Fresh Market Co. on their website, and follow them on Instagram at @aboundingacres and @thefreshmarketco.
