Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a wonderful way for farmers to keep their small farms and still make a living. When you buy from a farm in your community, you are contributing in so many ways to that community, to your health, and to the environment. A share from a CSA will usually cost about $400 to $500, but if you can figure out how to spend a good chunk of your food budget at one time, it will be so worth it. You can find a CSA in your state or area by visiting LocalHarvest.org. Here are some reasons to join a CSA.
- You can pick up your weekly portion of your share each week. A weekly family trip to the farm!
- CSA farmers grow organic food using natural fertilizers and pesticides.
- Because you are buying food in season and at the peak of its freshness, the food will taste extra delicious.
- You are supporting your community and those that live and work in your community.
- You can buy a share with a friend and take turns picking up your weekly portion.
- Your food will not have to travel thousands of miles to get to your plate.
- Sometimes you can pick up your share at the local farmer’s market (talk to your CSA). Then you can do all of your shopping at one time.
- You will be teaching your children that food truly does come from a farm and not just from the produce section of the grocery store.
If you have read Animal, Vegetable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver, you may have recognized some of her voice here in my post. I am mid-way through the book on CD and am already so inspired! Get this book and read it. It will transform the way you shop for food and eat.
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I agree a CSA share is a wonderful way to support local agriculture. I live in northern VA (but grew up in NH and went to school in Waterville, ME) where we have many CSAs. A few other points might also be useful to your readers:
*Prices here range upwards of $1200 for a May-Nov share but you get more than just veggies. We also received dried fruits, fresh fruits, cheese, eggs, bread, herbs and flowers. Just think of it as doing your shopping for 7 mos of organics all at once.
*We get to try veggies and other foods we haven't tried before but are yummy, easy to prepare and healthy.
*Our CSA has required community participation to portion shares at the drop-off site. This is a fun activity for toddlers!
Thanks so much for your very informative blog, I am sure to be back to read more!
Thanks for the list and the CSA link. I just found a grower near us that is taking new shares! I'm so excited!
Ours isn't taking any more shares! So sad.... but there is still plenty of produce (and eggs) to be purchased through them!