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Jennifer's Picks
Get great food and support local farmers through
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs
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Every year, I have grand plans (but usually weak intentions) of planting a gigantic vegetable garden. When I realize that’s not going to happen, I vow to visit the farmers’ market each week. Finally, I face reality and look for more convenient options. Last year, I found the perfect solution: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms.
Basically, you “subscribe” to a local farm by paying a flat fee for the harvest season (approximately June to October). Each week, you are given your “share” of the harvest (fresh produce)--ours was delivered to a drop site near our home. As members of the farm for the season, you share in the risks and rewards of the farm, thereby supporting local farmers and the land they care for. Last year, my family split a share with some friends and still had organic veggies left over for freezing and canning.
Now is the time to reserve your share. Membership requirements vary from one farm to another, so look for one that suits you. For a list of CSA farms in Minnesota and Western Wisconsin, visit the Land Stewardship Project. For other areas, try an Internet search on “community supported agriculture” or visit http://www.nal.usda.gov/afsic/pubs/csa/csa.shtml
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