What is Community Supported Agriculture? (October 2011)

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to receive a box with all local produce without actually picking your fruits and vegetables? Let alone to choose the ones that you “usually” buy each week?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a system that members purchase a subscription in return for a farmer to provide whatever size produce box you would like (it can be a mix of fruits/vegetables or all fruit or all easy to eat vegetables if you do not cook), and in return the farmer provides a box of produce during the growing season. Basically the individual is getting a share of the farm.

Some CSAs provide meat or cheese as well as homemade baked goods. They deliver to your home/office, have pick up locations, and some equire you to visit their farm. Some people join CSA to support farmers or to eat locally grown products. This is a great option if you do not have the time to attend a local farmers market each week. Another perk about joining a CSA is that it forces you to step out of the box (no pun intended!) as whatever produce is provided may not be your norm and the creative chef in you may evolve.

To find the right CSA for you check out www.localharvest.org to see the various options. See what each CSA offers during winter months as opposed to summer as well as if these farmers have your favorite items, especially if you are a picky eater. You will want to find out how long a farm’s been running a CSA (longer isn’t always better, but it does mean the major rough edges have been worked through) and whether the farm grows all of the produce you’ll be receiving or it if includes items by other farms. You do not have to be a gourmet cook to join, but it is a nice way to add more color and wholesomeness to your diet.

Two CSA’s that I like are www.farmfreshtoyou.com and www.mygoodlifeorganics.com.

They offer great quality and stand behind their products. In the meantime, enjoy what is in season!