CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A regional farm will offer up a number of harvest shares to the public. By signing up for and purchasing one of these shares, you will receive a box full of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. So for example in the colder months your box may contain more crucifers vegetables like cabbage broccoli, and kale and then in the warmer months you would see cucumbers, zucchini and melons.
Benefits of CSA Boxes
There are multiple benefits to CSA boxes, both on the side of the consumer and on the side of the farmer. As a consumer, you can learn more about where your food comes from and the person who grows it. You’ll also have constant access to the freshest naturally grown or organic produce, which hasn’t run its course through the supply chain and comes in at a far lower cost then what you would pay at the grocery store. Moreover, since you will be receiving the box shortly after the farmer has harvest the produce you will likely notice a difference in the taste.
Eliminating the Middle Man
Farmers end up walking away with more profit since they are essentially eliminating the middle man. They are also able to offload their ‘ugly produce’ more easily which doesn’t have a market in most of the traditional grocery stores.
With less transportation to get produce to their respective locations, there is less CO2 emissions so there are environmental benefits to doing it as well. Unfortunately, CSA programs often aren’t advertised, but there are services online that allow you to track the number of registered CSAs near your location. There may also be advertisements and offers available at your local farmers market.
