Why? Joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) or buying food at a local farmstand are wonderful ways to eat healthy, freshly harvested, seasonal, and locally sourced food while making the commitment to supporting a local farm. Local also means you will be spending your money on local people, who will, in turn, spend it locally. Your support of local farms means you keep agricultural land in production, most often with organic or integrated pest management systems, with farmers who care for the soil, pollinators and water resources. Many local farms are centers for community life where people meet, eat, and enjoy nature or attend events. Many local farms network with other sustainable, small businesses and some support local food banks or supply fresh produce to those who cannot afford it otherwise. Others offer some pick-your-own crops, which is especially enjoyable and educational for children. And last but not least, you get to meet the person who actually grew and/or prepared your food. Ask them about their sustainability practices. These farmers are proud of their work and will gladly answer your questions.
How does a CSA work? Buying a share means that you are pledging ahead of time, before seeds are even in the ground, throwing your lot in with that of your farmer. Some years will be plentiful and others ok, but it evens out over time. Many farms offer different seasonal shares year round, and often families find that a half share is enough food for them. The cost of the share provides the financial stability that allows the farmer to pay wages, purchase seed, greenhouse supplies and soil amendments at a time when most storage crops have long been sold and consumed. The moral support that a CSA provides is equally as significant because the farmer knows that members of the community value the coming harvest and have faith that the seeds will grow!
Check out farms we recommend under the tab Steps to Take.
