CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA members pre-pay for “shares” in a local organic farm at the beginning of the season in March when the farmer most needs the money. Then during the harvest from June through November, the farmer delivers a weekly assortment of vegetables, herbs, and some fruit.
This is not a co-op, there are no wholesalers or distributors. 100% of your food dollars go to the person who is growing it. You support sustainable, local agriculture and get freshly picked organic produce at reasonable prices. In addition, you know the farmer growing your vegetables and can visit the farm – establishing a personal connection with your food supply.
Members pick up their share at a distribution site one afternoon a week. Everyone contributes a few hour shifts during the season to help with set-up and clean up. The site looks a little like a farm stand with vegetables in crates and in coolers. Members weigh and bag their own shares. Kids can help or play while you chat and swap recipes. The pick-up becomes a place to bump into friends and meet new ones, a chance for kids from different schools to say “Hi”, and an opportunity to compare notes on cooking and preparing your delicious organic veggies.