I know Nancy was a CSA member last year. For those who don't know, CSA stands for Community Sponsored Agriculture. It's a program in which customers pay, usually in advance, for a growing season's worth of locally grown, organic produce. You tie your lot in with the local farmers, giving them money to grow produce and taking part in the harvest. If it's a good year, you get tons of produce; if it's a poor growing year (too hot/dry/wet/whatever) you get less. CSA's support local farming efforts, as does shopping at local farmer's markets.
This is my third year participating. The first year, I only subscribed to half a season. Last year and this year, I paid for the full season of 20 weeks.
At first, the early Spring veggies in this area are generally different types of greens, lettuces, radishes, spring onions.
Unfortunately, my son's birthday party is scheduled for the same time as the produce pick-up so I'll have to arrange something. Some CSA's deliver; mine doesn't. However, I can pick up the produce at the Farmer's Market on Saturday as an alternative to the Friday afternoon time.
Anyone else have any locally grown produce yet this year?
Posted by: bella tx Date posted: Tue Apr 29 17:22:12 2008
Message: Carissa, I researched the closest one locally and they had a spot for me. When I realized where I had to pick up the food, I cancelled. I was so bummed out. The place is an hour away, and I just can't muster that drive each week. Something has to change as this process isn't that easy right now!!! I really wanted to join.
Carissa, I am so jealous! My weekly CSA allotment doesn't start for about another month and I can't wait. The fruits and veggies in the grocery store, even the organic, often look so sad and I wonder how old they are. Last year in one of our first weeks, we got rhubarb and strawberries. I am craving the coffee cake I made with them. I also ordered some organic, fair coffee (obviously, not grown on "our" farm) this year, so I am anxious to try that, too.
One of the women in my office also signed on this year. Everytime I see her, she'll be asking me questions in anticipation. I would encourage everyone to participate in CSA.
Posted by: Evil Charity Date posted: Tue Apr 29 11:37:37 2008
Message: Yes, my husband and I belong to one. The weather here is pretty mild, so it goes year round (although, the winter boxes aren't all that great unless you really like squash). The boxes have been kinda light lately, but they should pick up as the harvesting season begins. In the past couple of weeks we've gotten salad greens, strawberries, asparagus and other goodies.
I think that we're going to quit after the summer is over and just make a trip to the farmer's markets on the weekends.
Posted by: amazon Date posted: Mon Apr 28 21:14:58 2008
Message: I'm exceptionally lucky and I know it-not only is my brother an organic farmer, he's also the Market Master at the Farmers Market in his town. After the market closes he gives boxes of veggies to the homeless shelter and whatever is left after that he gives to me. By the end of summer last year I had 75 pounds of frozen tomatoes!
Last year at Christmas I served corn and green beans that came from his farm. It was nice to have that "fresh" flavor in the middle of winter!
Man, I can't wait for gardening weather to get here!
Posted by: Sanna Date posted: Mon Apr 28 20:40:24 2008
Message: We just signed up for it this year for the first time! I am excited to see what we get each week. Apparently if there is something that is uncommon they also provide recipe(s), as well as a recipe book with the first box. Ours doesn't start until June. We are also getting eggs each week for a year. I think now with the prices of groceries going up so much that CSA should become more popular.
