Local, Organic Produce Through a CSA Program
Newest Trend Among People Who Want to Live Green
Dec 14, 2008
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Participants send a predetermined amount of money upfront to purchase a share from a participating farm. Then, for the rest of the summer and fall growing season, they will receive a weekly shipment of fresh, local produce.
Eating Locally
With the cost of gas rising, people are realizing how shipping produce across the country uses a lot of gas, and passes that cost to the consumer through higher prices. By eating products from local farms and bakeries, people can avoid this. By putting money back into the community, it also keeps the local economy going strong.
In addition, there are some studies that claim that by eating food grown locally, people are exposed to local allergens, which makes them less likely to suffer from seasonal allergies. Since people usually eat food grown all over the world, they aren't exposed to the local pollens that get absorbed by growing fruits and vegetables.
Recently, there has been much news coverage of the 100 Mile Diet. This "diet" challenges people to eat and consume products from within 100 miles of their home. Most CSAs will fit into this diet.
Variety of Food
Some CSA programs offer meat, egg, or fruit shares, in addition to the traditional vegetable share. Many CSAs are organic, although even if they're not, they are from small farms that tend to use more environmentally-friendly growing practices.
Participants usually have no idea what foods they will receive, and the shipments are subject to weather conditions. Certain pests, diseases, or weather conditions can adversely affect certain crops. Sometimes yield is a lot lower than expected, so amounts of a vegetable might be lower. It can be fun looking up recipes to use these unusual vegetables, such as celeriac or garlic scapes. Participating in a CSA might expose people to fruits and vegetables they have never had before.
Investment in Community
By paying an upfront price, farms have the money to successfully complete the growing season. The farmers can therefore budget accordingly, and buy necessary supplies. Most farmers spend the whole summer working, not knowing how much money they'll make from their produce when they sell in the fall. CSA participation allows farmers to know that most of their produce is already bought and paid for.
Most CSA programs deliver to a few central locations, where participants show up to pick up their share. Often they can even pick up their share at the farm, where some farms allow members to take a tour. Some programs allow members to purchase a "working share," which means they can work a set number of hours on the farm in return for a discount on their shares.
Community Supported Agriculture is a great way to support local business, and eat healthy, often organic foods. It can be good for your wallet, good for your body, and good for community. For more information about a CSA program, please visit the Denison Farm website.
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