What is CSA?

CSA is not just a trendy idea for the vegan select. CSA is Community Shared Agriculture and this little acronym has drastically helped me live a healthier life. CSA (I’m using this word a lot, I know, I just want you to remember it!) allows residents of a certain area to have access to fresh and high quality produce that is locally grown by regional farmers. You become a member of a CSA by purchasing a “share” of produce on a bi-weekly, monthly, or seasonal basis. The CSA season usually runs from May to November with some exceptions of farmers still supplying members with root veggies, homemade vinegars, and herbs throughout the winter months. Your share is usually dropped off at your home or at a pick-up point in your community. What a wonderful way to support your local economy, get to know area farmers and community members, and live a healthier life than by becoming a member of CSA!

Benefits of CSA

A CSA cuts out the cross-country journey that most grocery store produce has to take. The vegetables you will receive in your share will be the freshest possible, literally from the field to your table.

What a great way to learn about new produce than to open your box and be staring into the ruddy face of a kohlrabi or a fennel bulb. CSA has spurred me to be more creative in the kitchen by supplying me with unusual vegetables, roots and herbs that I would never think to purchase. Most farms keep you fairly informed about what you will be receiving there will be time to research. My CSA even supplies me with recipes for all the veggies I receive in my share!

Another benefit of participating in CSA is the special events many farms host for their members. I have attended several “farm days” and experienced the peace and health of farm life. My family and I were able to pick fresh herbs, participate in farming children’s activities, and eat a picnic lunch consisting of local meats, fresh mint tea, and handmade Amish ice cream. You are able to see exactly where your food is coming from and the everyday happenings of this farm. It’s like a family reunion, open house, and festival all rolled into one. We had a great time.

Time and money is saved when participating in CSA. A bundle of organic veggies and herbs from a health food store or large health food chain can put you out of $40-$60 a week! Bi-weekly and monthly shares that I have purchased range form $15 to $30 dollars. You are also able to get discounts by paying up front for the entire season. This usually costs about $300-$400 and may seems pricey but according to my calculations, you are saving hundreds of dollars. I have yet to run out of CSA food. If anything, there is more than enough where I am able to make food for guests, church events, or other social gatherings. This saves me both time and money.

Join CSA

A healthier life is not achieved overnight. Exercise, stress level, and eating habits are all factors that need to be considered and practiced if real change is going to happen. Participating in CSA has been a huge help in my pursuit of a healthier life. If I drop the ball one week with grocery shopping my go-to’s consist of overly processed, innutritious foods. CSA opened a cooking world of possibility to me and because I am not one to waste, I am forced to work with the fresh veggies I have. Not only does my body feel good, but also so do my wallet and my moral compass. I am taking a part in sustaining and growing my local community. That feels healthy to me.