CSAs: The Freshest Farm-to-Table Produce

Spring has arrived, bringing with it warmer weather, budding gardens, and the beginning of many a farmer's market. For those of you who want to take advantage of the bounty about to be bestowed by nature, and to benefit from your local growers, you may want to consider a CSA, Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs provide you with fresh farm-to-table produce, which is certainly a better alternative than rock hard tomatoes and fruit from a foreign land that you find in many supermarkets. Even better, while you enjoy eating the best locally grown food, you are supporting the small farmer.

CSA is a model of cooperation that benefits farmers and local citizens. Local farmers, who might have a difficult time selling crops by themselves, band together in a service that provides weekly boxes of their produce to the community. Interested consumers enroll for a weekly or bi-weekly box, which either gets delivered to a central location, delivered to your door, or picked up at the farm.

The content of your CSA box is based on seasonal produce, usually a mixture of fruit and vegetables, with some herbs. Some CSAs also offer eggs, meat, and dairy, and some will allow you to choose what you want, or omit certain items based on your likes or dietary requirements.

Local Harvest, a consumer website, tries to bring you information on the best organic food that is grown closest to you. Their site allows you to find not only CSAs in your area, but also farmer's markets and local family farmstands. Their CSA locator just requires a zip code or city/state to help you find and participate in a CSA.

The cost for a weekly CSA box varies, depending on amount of produce, location, and delivery costs. I checked three of my local Northern California CSAs and the fee (paid monthly, quarterly or seasonally) ranged from between $23 and $37.50/week. I checked several Southern California CSAs, which ranged from $15 to $30/week. I also randomly selected Colorado Springs ($20-29/week), Tampa ($20-23/week), and Akron ($20-30/week). Half-shares are also available at most CSAs for singles/2-person households. This is quite reasonable and, if you check your weekly supermarket receipt, I think you will also find it comparable in price.

I highly recommend that you consider this way of buying your produce. While you might be hesitant, you will be rewarded with the freshest of produce, new flavors that will tantalize your tongue, and you just may have some fun finding recipes for an unfamiliar ingredient.