So you’re a fan of the Farmer’s Market, but are you ready to take your fresh produce to the next level of awesome?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Farms that have CSA programs offer their members “shares” in the farm. Basically, this means customers buying and supporting the farm in advance for a season (or partial season). In return, members receive fresh vegetables each week from the farm.
Last fall I signed up for a share in Early Morning Farm‘s CSA with two of my roommates. Each week we received a box of fresh veg. A lot of which I knew and loved and some things I’d never tried before. It was a 12 week “academic” share tailored to college students in the Ithaca area (how perfect?)
This semester I’m joining again with my sister, splitting a 10-week share. We’ll fill up our tote every Saturday full of whatever is fresh for the pickin’- which will include: basil, beets, carrots, cucumbers, lettuce, kale, peppers, tomatoes, onions, eggplants, squash, bok choi, broccoli, parsnips and so much more!
For the ten weeks each of us paid $107 (~$11 per week). This week we each got a head of lettuce, kale, 2 red peppers, 4 tomatoes, an onion, 2 florets of broccoli, 3 beets and an eggplant!
Pros:
- Fresh, local, (often organic) produce weekly
- Big savings in vegetables and overall food bills
- Discovering new seasonal vegetables
- Inspiration for new recipes
- Cuts grocery shopping way down
- Closer connection with farmers- supporting local agriculture
Cons:
- Less control over your veggie purchases
- Couldn’t think of any others!
I encourage anyone to seek out a local CSA and sign up for a share. If there aren’t any CSA options, try to seek out a Farmer’s Market for local produce.
Question Time:
- Where do you buy your produce?
- Have you ever been to a Farmer’s Market?
- Favorite vegetable?
You’re so lucky to have a CSA! I always wanted to join one, but as a student, there were none in my area that suited my needs. Yours is such a great deal! I buy a lot of my produce directly from the farm during the summer and fall. Otherwise, I get it at Whole Foods and an international grocery store (with a lot of uncommon vegetables)
We’re definitely spoiled in Ithaca because it’s such a big college town, not to mention Cornell has an incredible agriculture program so local food is a big deal. Buying from the farm is also a great option.
I’ve never heard of a CSA before, holy guacamole this sounds amazing. I’m def looking into it! I voyaged to the Farmer’s Market today and bought the most delicious pile of microgreens and tomatoes… it resulted in an incredible salad for dinner! Gotta love Ithaca.
It’s pretty fantastic! Plus it cuts my grocery bill waaay down. It’s not too late either- check out Early Morning Farm’s program you can sign up for the 10 weeks that are left still.
I have too many faves….made carrot top pesto this week with some fresh carrots w/tops from my CSA. It’s great eating and supporting local
Woah carrot pesto?! That sounds delicious. Fresh and local always tastes better too