Celebrating a new culinary partnership with Vitruvian Farms

Submitted by Felipe Saint-Martin (he/him), Chef

The Holy Wisdom Monastery Culinary Department is delighted to announce an exciting new partnership with Vitruvian Farms, one of Wisconsin’s most celebrated organic farms. This collaboration brings together two communities dedicated to nourishing both body and spirit with the very best that our region has to offer. 

Located just outside Madison in McFarland, Vitruvian Farms has earned a reputation as one of the premier organic producers in the state – if not the very best. Founded by Shawn Kuhn and Tommy Stauffer, Vitruvian Farms has been a leader in sustainable agriculture since 2010, focusing on balance with nature, regenerative practices and providing healthy food to the community. Their commitment to quality and stewardship aligns beautifully with our own values at Holy Wisdom Monastery. 

Vitruvian Farms is also known for their certified organic mushrooms, with their shiitake, oyster, and lion’s mane varieties cultivated year-round in carefully controlled environments. This dedication allows them to harvest over 500 pounds of fresh, organic mushrooms each week, a bounty prized by both local chefs and home cooks for its exceptional flavor and freshness.  

In addition to their mushrooms, Vitruvian offers nutrient-dense microgreens, such as pea shoots, sunflower shoots and the farm’s signature petite salad mix.  

These microgreens are available in a steady supply throughout the year, celebrated not only for their vibrant appearance but also for their rich flavor and nutritional value, making them a favorite among restaurants and markets. During the growing season, Vitruvian’s organic salad mixes, arugula, and baby spinach are harvested at their peak, thanks to the farm’s innovative use of high tunnels and sustainable fertilization methods, ensuring optimal freshness and quality. 

Nearly all of Vitruvian’s produce is consumed within a 15-mile radius of their McFarland, Wisconsin, farm, a testament to their commitment to providing the freshest possible ingredients while supporting the local food system. 

At Holy Wisdom Monastery, we are blessed with the talents of Amy Alstad and Emma Kloes, who lovingly tend to our own gardens. Their dedication will bring fresh, seasonal produce to our table and is a cornerstone of our culinary offerings. In the spirit of friendly competition – and to complement Amy and Emma’s work – we knew we had to seek out the very best in the region. Vitruvian Farms, with its outstanding reputation and unwavering commitment to quality, was the natural choice. 

Looking ahead, this partnership will allow us to expand our menu with the finest mushrooms, microgreens and leafy greens Wisconsin has to offer, while continuing to celebrate the abundance grown right here at the monastery. We look forward to sharing the fruits (and vegetables!) of this collaboration with our community in the coming weeks. 

Let us give thanks for the hands that grow, harvest and prepare our food – both near and far. And may this partnership inspire us all to seek balance, beauty and nourishment in every meal. 

With gratitude,

The Holy Wisdom Monastery Culinary Team