Here is a basic overview of how a CSA works and the reasoning behind it. There are a variety of different CSAs, some are for one farm and others are for are a collective of farms. They are usually seasonal. For example, we went with a November-May CSA because the Farmers Market we usually go to is closed those months. Most CSA programs are in the summer since that is the abundant growing season. CSAs vary, but the general rule of thumb is you pay a specified amount of money up front and receive a certain number of “boxes” over a period of time. For example, you pay $200 to receive a box of produce every other Tuesday for three months. Many CSA programs have different options for the amount of food/price of the box. Many CSA programs have the “you choose” model, where you get a list of items that are available to you each week based on the “package” you have paid for, and you pick a specified number of items that come in the box. Either way, it all depends on what is currently in season and ready to harvest at the time of delivery. The philosophy behind a CSA is quite simple. Farming is expensive and requires up front capital, but the income only comes at the end of the process when the goods are sold, however, just like everyone else in this world, farmers and their families need to survive. The bills still need to be paid and the farm still needs to be kept afloat. For this reason, CSAs are set up with the consumer spending their money up front on a “share.” One way to look at it is as an investment in a local farm or collective of farms.
Yes, this way of shopping takes work. Yes, you have to change how you cook. You will need to take time after you receive each delivery to properly store your food. This will also require some research into how to properly store your produce so that it will last longer, but a quick Internet search should do the trick. You will find that you will get ingredients that you may never have worked with before. But, if you are up for this challenge, it will be an amazing, eye opening and rewarding experience. You will learn new foods and new techniques. You will expand your food and cooking horizons, in addition to eating seasonally and investing in your local food system and economy.
There are a variety of CSAs to choose from in addition to your traditional produce CSA. Some are meat CSAs, some have just fruit. Some have a mix of produce and local products such as honey, jams and jellies, cheese etc.
Interested in getting started with a CSA, but not sure how to find one? Here are some great online resources for finding locally sourced food and products including CSAs.
http://eatlocalgrown.com/
http://www.localharvest.org/
http://eatwild.com/
Interested in finding other ways to connect to local producers in your community or region? Many farms are open to the public and some have stores on their property. Many farmers offer tours and have kid friendly content such as pumpkin patches, corn mazes and many other family friendly activities throughout the growing season. When farms are open to the public they usually are willing to talk to their customers about growing and harvesting. These farmers are excited to share with their patrons their work and are happy to answers questions about the farming experience. This is a very transparent way of practicing agriculture. Additionally, many farms offer another option, a “You Pick” where the customer can go to the farm and pick as much of the produce as possible. Often the produce is sold by weight or number of containers picked. This option is usually cheaper than purchasing at the market because you are saving on the cost of labor. Plus, you have the added bonus of getting out and enjoying a few hours of exercise in new surroundings.
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