Community Supported Agriculture
My local CSA (community supported agriculture) brochure arrived today. Time to sign up and order my share! Last year my family tried so many new veggies. I had never had a yellow carrot or tasted kale. It was fun! A CSA is a partnership between local consumers and farmers. You purchase a share of the crop before planting time so the farmer raises money to purchase his equipment, supplies and seeds. In return, as a member you receive a weekly supply of veggies throughout the harvest season. You, as a consumer, share in the rewards and risks. Meaning if the crop fails due to the weather or another reason, you might not get very much. However, last year I was very much rewarded and had more veggies then my family could handle. As a result my family and friends also shared in our CSA experience!
So what does it cost and is it worth it? The cost for my family through our CSA is $500 for a large share and $325 for a medium share. This begins the third week June and ends mid October! I bought a medium share last year and the crops started slow with not much at the beginning but as the summer progressed I had so much I just started giving veggies away! Is it worth it? Yes! Yes! Yes! The veggies taste wonderful and because they are grown 15 minutes from me I know they are full of the good stuff. There are no pesticides, chemicals or bad stuff used so I feel good about eating the veggies. I can drive to the farm and my kids can play with the farmers four kids and have a connection to the food and the family growing the food. This is very rewarding and worth every penny! I also get recipes each week and learn about the veggie and how to prepare it.
The farm I do business with also offers pastured raised chicken, pork and turkey. Fresh berries are available by flats and this is a hit for my famous strawberry rhubarb pie! Please check into a local CSA in your area and take the time to learn more about the benefits of being a CSA member.
So what does it cost and is it worth it? The cost for my family through our CSA is $500 for a large share and $325 for a medium share. This begins the third week June and ends mid October! I bought a medium share last year and the crops started slow with not much at the beginning but as the summer progressed I had so much I just started giving veggies away! Is it worth it? Yes! Yes! Yes! The veggies taste wonderful and because they are grown 15 minutes from me I know they are full of the good stuff. There are no pesticides, chemicals or bad stuff used so I feel good about eating the veggies. I can drive to the farm and my kids can play with the farmers four kids and have a connection to the food and the family growing the food. This is very rewarding and worth every penny! I also get recipes each week and learn about the veggie and how to prepare it.
The farm I do business with also offers pastured raised chicken, pork and turkey. Fresh berries are available by flats and this is a hit for my famous strawberry rhubarb pie! Please check into a local CSA in your area and take the time to learn more about the benefits of being a CSA member.
Labels: buy organic, community supported agriculture, CSA, going green, Green Moms
posted by Green & Clean Mom at
10:18 AM
2 Comments:
Something to keep in mind is that CSAs can book up quick. I was to late last year and this year it wasn't worth it since we will be moving but even if I wanted it all the ones near me were booked over a year in advance.
CSA's are becoming increasingly more cost effective, in my opinion, especially in light of the increased costs of food. My local chain grocery now charges about the same price for fruits and veggies as my local, organic farmer. Guess where I'll be purchasing my veggies from now on!
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