health
reaping the rewards What Is C omm u n i t y S u p p orted A g r i c u l t u re ? C omm u n i t y S u p p orted A g r i c u lt u re ( C S A ) programs allow members to get fresh produce and other foods direct from local farms. Many offer eggs, meat, dairy, flowers, herbs, honey, and more! When you join a CSA, you sign up for weekly deliveries, either seasonal or yearlong. There are a few obvious pros to joining a CSA program: the food is local and super-fresh and you know exactly where it’s coming from; it allows you to participate in and support area farms as well as your local economy; and most local farmers use natural, organic growing methods free from harmful chemicals. So how does all this work?
• Costs vary but the average tends to be around $300-$500 for about four months. Many run from late spring to early fall but there are plenty of yearround deliveries as well.
• Some programs allow you to volunteer on the farm to help offset the costs. This is great for families to teach their kids and really be involved.
• Some health insurance providers will offer a CSA rebate. Now that’s an incentive to eat fresh!
• If you like freezing or canning certain fruits or vegetables, ask the farmer; often they will provide you with more of your favorites. • Be prepared to “go with the flow” and be grateful for what is in abundance. If there’s a bumper crop of zucchini, for example, then now’s the time to create new recipes. • If you’re afraid you just can’t consume that much produce, consider sharing your CSA with friends or coworkers— split the cost, split the goods. • For a local list of CSA farms in your area, visit www.LocalHarvest.org.
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For more information on Community Supported Agriculture, visit www.csacoalition.org.
