GOODING FROM PAGE 10 ers of local farms, like Mark Lovejoy, are listening to our wishes and providing options such as CSAs, which stands for Community Sustained Agriculture. According to LocalHarvest.com, “Over the last 20 years, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of ‘shares’ to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a ‘membership’ or a ‘subscription’) and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.” Many CSA farmers have established places that consumers can pick up their boxes of goodies, or people can pick up their share at the farm itself. The produce provided is always seasonal, and usually comes with recipe ideas. Advantages of CSA’s for farmers: n Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 16-hour days in the field begin. n Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow. n Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow. Advantages of CSA’s for consumers: n Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits. n Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking. n Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season. n Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm — even veggies they’ve never been known to eat. n Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown. Like I’ve written before, by buying local, we are supporting our local economy, local farm families, and building community. Most of us get to know our hairstylists, our doctors, our personal trainers, and our dentists, so why not get to know the people who grow and provide our food? By eating local foods, we can enjoy eats that have traveled shorter distances which means fresher, better tasting foods from sustainable farms. Better food is better for our bodies and for our world. As always, I welcome questions and comments. I enjoy hearing from readers. Angie Gooding is an educator and a personal trainer certified through ACE (American Council on Exercise) and owner of Inspire Fitness & Training. She lives locally, and trains clients in a private location in Marysville. She can be reached at AngieGooding@comcast.net or www. inspirefitnessandtraining.com.
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