What Are CSA’s - How Will They Benefit You?

by Kathi
(Pennsylvania)

Do you actually try to eat a healthy diet?

Many people find shopping at the local grocery store conflicts with their nutritional goals.

• The seasonal crops from local suppliers sell out too quickly
  
• Many times old, withered and droopy vegetables and fruits are the only selections available
  
• Many kinds of fruits and tomatoes are covered with brown spots and bruises
  
• Onion greens and lettuce leaves are already dying off while still on the stems
  

But having the time, the space, or the capability of growing their own is just not always possible. Even the local farmer’s market has limited hours and it is not always possible to get away from life’s normal responsibilities. So, what are many people turning to to help them fight their way out of this dilemma?

Enter The CSA - Community Supported Agriculture

Popping up all over the country, many farmers have started a program of selling off subscriptions for any customer’s right to receiving part of the bounty from the farm. Time frames, amount of goods, types of products received are all based on the size of your subscription and the types of products the farmer itself produces on his farm. But the promise from all participating CSA’s is to supply every subscriber a fresh box of in-season goods, usually on a weekly basis, until the farming season ends. Basically then, you are paying a farmer to grow your own fresh foods, usually organically.

The advantages and types of products you receive are based on your subscription. Many participating operations supply grass-fed beef or pork and lamb. Poultry and fresh eggs, cage-free plus any of the numerous fruits and vegetables which are produced on premises. Some operations also have fresh raw milk and dairy products plus possibly homemade baked goods always made on premises. Because each week’s harvest will be different, many people find they are eating a larger variety of goods thus they also enjoy the benefit of better health. Trying new varieties also keeps mealtimes exciting because you are no longer eating the same things over and over.

Obviously every farm has its own set of rules and regulations, delivery or pick-up schedules and locations, cancellation and vacation schedules rules. Each cooperative also has a different assortment of available products also depending upon the type of farm you are interested in. Scout out your local co-ops, visit the farm to look around, ask questions and find out what your options are.

You must realize right up front, this program is not for everybody. If you aren’t an adventurous eater at trying new foods or you hate to cook, this program will be a major disappointment because you will be throwing away more than you use. Local weather, storms, drought conditions, blight or any number of natural disasters means you can never plan on receiving certain goods each week. This assumption means you may be disappointed each week because crop loss is always a distinct possibility.

But for the majority of people, eating a variety of super fresh, often organic, pesticide and herbicide free selections each and every week far outweighs the occasional thought “What am I supposed to do with OKRA?”

To find a registered local participant in your immediate area, check at Localharvest.org on the internet, give them your zip code and all registered participants in your area will be supplied free of charge.