Want to support your community and local farmers, while getting some fresh delicious produce in the process? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program where local farmers offer certain "shares" of their agriculture to local buyers for set prices. When you sign up for the program, each week you can pick up a large box of fresh vegetables, fruits, and sometimes even eggs and other farm-fresh animal products depending on your area. This is a great way to not only support your local farmers in these tough economic times, but to feel at ease know exactly where your vegetables are coming from and try new local produce each week. Check out www.localharvest.org/CSA for details and to search for farms in your area. Some programs offer 1/2 shares for those who might not be able to use a full share's worth of produce -- but if not, find a friend or family member who might be willing to split the goods with you!
Thanks to my sister Stacy for turning me on to this program...
I've seen this before and you tend to find it more in the cities for some reason. It forces you to get creative with your cooking. In fact, every time the box arrives, it feels like you're on an episode of Iron Chef and you only have a limited time to decide what you're going to make with today's ingredients.
ReplyDeleteI agree Kav. It might be more popular in cities bc this type of produce is more difficult to get in the cities, and it also makes "shopping" much easier. One good thing about the farm near us, which I will most likely be getting the share from, is that they give you a pre-planned list of the foods that will be available week by week, minimizing surprise and giving you a preview so you can decide on its relevance to your tastes before you buy. This is their website if you want to check it out: http://stonegardensfarm.com/
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