CSA Shares Bring Summer's Bounties to Your Table
No time to garden? Buy CSA shares and reap the benefits of fresh produce all summer long.
In these days of tight budgets and increased environmental awareness, CSA shares are a smart way to keep healthy vegetables on the family table. And they have the added benefits of helping out local farmers and introducing children to the concept of growing their own food.
Psst... Wanna Buy a Farm?
Over the past two decades, the concept of CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) has become popular with both growers and buyers. Although the government doesn't track CSAs, Local Harvest boasts a database of more than 2500 of them, all around the United States.
The idea of a CSA is a simple one: Farmers offer shares of their crop to the public. Purchasers are then allotted a set amount of produce that they pick up on a weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly basis. Depending on the farmer, CSAs may offer a choice of items, or they may designate exactly what and how much the member gets at pickup time.
There are many advantages to both the CSA farmer and the CSA buyer. By offering the shares before the season starts, the farmer is not only assured that people will be buying his crops, but he'll also receive the cash up front. This will help him determine what and how many crops to plant, as well as give him cash flow for the other operations of the farm.
As a CSA participant, you gain the invaluable knowledge of just where your produce comes from, including what chemicals may have been used on them. (Many CSAs have gone organic -- so pesticides and chemicals never touch the food being sold). Not only will you develop a relationship with the farmer, but some CSAs have a work share requirement, which will ensure that you also develop a relationship with the farm and the land.
All of the experts agree that a child who grows a vegetable is more likely to eat it, and I've had many friends who say their children can't wait to try all of the new produce that comes in their CSA pickups. Imagine introducing jicama, rutabaga, and sugar snap peas to your child's palate! Plus, because you've prepaid for the items, you're more likely to learn to cook and eat them. You don't have the option of simply passing it by in the produce aisle.
Now is the time of year to contact your local CSA if you're interested in joining. Most have a limited number of shares and they fill up fast! If you think it will be too much produce for you, check with a local family member or friend to see if they want to split a share. Your local CSA may also offer herbs, flowers, fruit, and even fresh milk, meat or eggs -- all of which make it more attractive to members.
Give yourself the gift of a healthy bounty this summer, and purchase local CSA shares.