Community Supported Agriculture

People these days want to know where their food comes from and how it is grown. Community Supported Agriculture (a mutual commitment between a farm and the community) provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. It creates a relationship between people and the food we eat, and puts the farmers' face on food, so to speak.

As a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) member, you can support local farms by investing in shares of the upcoming harvest and receive a weekly bounty of locally and sustainably grown, fresh, organic vegetables, herbs and fruit. This mutually supportive relationship helps create an economically stable farm operation in which members are assured the highest quality produce, often at below-retail prices. In return, farmers and growers are guaranteed a reliable market for a diverse selection of crops.

CSA boxes are filled with many heirloom and specialty varieties that are not available at the supermarket. It is an opportunity for members to eat a variety of clean, healthy food that's in season, support local farming and keep the food dollars local.

To find a CSA program in your area, visit the Local Harvest website.

And if you don't want to make the CSA commitment, remember to visit your local farmers' market - most should be getting into full swing right about now. Buy local first - it's fresher, tastes better and keeps your food dollars local!

RECIPE:
Farmers' Market Sugar Beet and Sunny Salad

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