Joining a CSA Farm

Today I awoke with the anticipation of going on vacation - except, the anticipation has nothing to do with a vacation but a new journey I'm embarking on right here at home. I have joined a CSA! CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and is a way to help consumers purchase local products that are grown using sustainable practices and encourages one to build a relationship with their farm!

Since moving across the border to Indiana, I am now only 20 minutes from a CSA farm with a great reputation. I have my first pick up today and can't wait!! (Note: most CSA's begin earlier in the season, but I was able to snag a pro-rated share for the remainder of the season).

I am excited for the challenge of creating meals using my produce. Most would assume that I chose the 'Epicurean' option, but with beginning a new school year in two short weeks I opted for the 'Standard' option - more practical and better for the season I'm entering into.

I purchased a half-share (feeds 1 vegetarian or more on a mixed diet) and I live alone, it seems that I will be doing the vegetarian thing for the most part of the next three months. Yet, if I'm honest, I don't eat meat that often anymore anyway, so it shouldn't be a huge change. I can always share my extra produce with friends and neighbors. And, if I can't make a pick-up or find someone to go, my produce is donated to a local food bank...and I like that as well.

I am allotting myself $60 per month for other grocery items to go with my produce. We'll see how I do! I will receive vegetables every week and fruit every other week. My CSA farm works with other local farms to provide a variety of fruits but as far as I understand my produce all comes from my farm.

I could have elected to meet my weekly produce at a pick-up site, but I like the idea of actually visiting the farm and picking up my items there.

**After becoming a member a few days ago, I stopped at a local grocer to pick up a few things I needed for dinner tonight. This local store is Michigan based, and although it has spread to other states in the US, I still consider it 'local'. I was bothered when I got home and my apple was from Chile when Michigan is known for their apples. It solidified my desire to be part of a CSA farm and support local farmers.