You've probably heard the term CSA but didn't know what the acronym stood for. Well, you're not alone!
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a way to buy seasonal food directly from your local farmer by purchasing a “share” and becoming a farm “member.” The farm then delivers a box of vegetables regularly throughout the growing season to a drop-off location. You then pick it up and bring it home. It's that easy!
By joining the CSA, you provide working capital for the farm, a powerful investment in your health, community, and the local economy.
As a CSA member, you get to choose from the many drop-off locations to go to for your freshly picked box of "gifts from the ground."
The produce is packed in special boxes 
to keep everything fresh for hours !
How do you locate a local CSA?
CSA's are located worldwide for fresh fruits, vegetables, and in some cases, meat and dairy from the participating farms. I recommend Local Harvest since it has one of the largest databases of CSA's in the U.S. You can search for locations closest to you and your choice of interest. Focus on supporting organic farms or farmers that embrace regenerative farming techniques.
In 2005, I became a CSA member at the Golden Earthworm Organic Farm. Matthew & Maggie Kurek are first-generation farmers with a passion for growing vegetables and sustainable agriculture. Through their yearly CSA celebrations and weekly newsletters, I have gotten to know both of them and their growing family & crew members on the farm. Some of my fondest memories are when I took my students to the farm to better understand where their vegetables come from and to build increased respect for our earth and the purveyors of it.
chefcindy.com
Farmers play a vital role in our daily life and are responsible for putting food on our table 3 times a day. Many even give back to the community in tremendous ways!
MORE THAN 200,000 POUNDS OF OUR PRODUCE HAS BEEN GROWN FOR FOOD PANTRIES & SOUP KITCHENS SINCE THE START OF OUR PARTNERSHIP
Golden Earthworm Organic Farm
When do I know what the contents of my box will be?
What's exciting about being a CSA member is - that part is unpredictable! Although the farmers have an idea from the harvest schedule, they are quite dependent on mother nature. Most CSA's will e-mail a weekly newsletter a little ahead of time. You usually find out what the contents will be within 24- 48 hours of delivery. Once you have your veggies home, it's time to get creative!
It is easier to incorporate cooking with more vegetables when you actually have them in your home. If you have any trouble knowing what to cook the contents of your CSA Box, go to our Recipe Index and plug in the vegetable. You can narrow down your search based on the ingredients you have.
Embrace something new and Join a CSA today!
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