Community Supported Agriculture - How does it work?

If you're a subscriber to my newsletter you've probably read about my volunteer work with Community Supported Agriculture and how it's a great way to get organic, seasonal produce delivered to your neighborhood every week. But how, exactly, do CSAs work?

Only a year ago, the whole CSA concept was brand new territory to me as well. But when I heard about a new CSA starting in my neighborhood, I liked what I heard and wanted to get involved! In New York City, an organization called Just Food helps put local communities in touch with a CSA farmer in order to coordinate the distribution of the crop's produce. The members of the community then have the chance to buy shares in the farmer's crop in early Spring. The CSA collects the price of the shares from every member and then pays the farmer to deliver the produce to their neighborhood every week.

The tricky part is, CSAs are becoming so popular now, they sometimes sell out before the growing season even starts. A lot of people don't realize that CSA farms are much smaller than commercial farms, so they can only offer a limited number of shares to each CSA that they deliver to. So when you hear that your local CSA is taking in new members for the season, don't delay! Get your form in before someone else beats you to it :o)

To read more about CSAs, or to find one in your area, visit the Local Harvest website.

Happy veggies!