Reaping The Rewards What Is Community Supported Agriculture?

reaping the rewards

What Is Comm un it y Supported Agr ic u lt ure ?

Comm un it y Supported Agr ic u lt ure (CSA) programs allow members to get fresh produce and other foods direct from local farms. Many offer eggs, meat, dairy, flowers, herbs, honey, and more! When you join a CSA , you sign up for weekly deliveries, either seasonal or yearlong. There are a few obvious pros to joining a CSA program: the food is local and super-fresh and you know exactly where it’s coming from; it allows you to participate in and support area farms as well as your local economy; and most local farmers use natural, organic growing methods free from harmful chemicals. So how does all this work?

• Costs vary but the average tends to be around $300-$500 for about four months. Many run from late spring to early fall but there are plenty of yearround deliveries as well.

• Some programs allow you to volunteer on the farm to help offset the costs. This is great for families to teach their kids and really be involved.

• Some health insurance providers will offer a CSA rebate. Now that’s an incentive to eat fresh!

• If you like freezing or canning certain fruits or vegetables, ask the farmer; often they will provide you with more of your favorites.

• Be prepared to “go with the flow” and be grateful for what is in abundance. If there’s a bumper crop of zucchini, for example, then now’s the time to create new recipes.

• If you’re afraid you just can’t consume that much produce, consider sharing your CSA with friends or coworkers— split the cost, split the goods.

• For a local list of CSA farms in your area, visit www.LocalHarvest.org. w