What's a CSA/Farm Box?

Some of you might be wondering... "Jackie dear, what is a CSA? what is a Farm Box? What is this hippy dippy language you keep spouting out? Please explain or I am leaving and NEVER reading your blog again!" I really  hope you aren't thinking that last part and that it is only a figment of my own personal self consciousness.  I myself am new to this world, but I will try to answer your questions.

What does CSA stand for?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A person who has purchased a CSA has paid a, usually, local farmer for a "share" of his crop during the growing season. Then during the growing season the Farmer will provide a "Farm Box" which contains a portion of the product that is fresh and ready for your table usually every week, sometimes every other week.

This payment is given up-front and is non refundable, this means that if the crop is good, you as a holder of that share receive an abundance of veg, fruit or whatever else the farmer's CSA includes. Of course if it's a bad season, you will miss out on the abundance, but you support your farmer through a leaner year, allowing him/her to more easily bounce back for the next season

What comes in a Farm Box?

What comes in your "Farm Box" varies from program to program. Some CSA's, like mine from Catalpa Ridge Farm, last only from summer to late fall, and tend to only include veg, and maybe fruit. Others have a much longer season, even going all year. Some CSA's can include dairy, eggs, even meat products. If you are interested in buying a share, a little time on The Google, and some word of mouth, will find you one that meets your needs and desires.

Why should I invest in a CSA?

Some people invest in a CSA based on the principle that supporting local agriculture is important, and a CSA is a real tangible method to show that support. Other people, like me, invested in a CSA as a way of forcing the healthy eating issue, if you have all that produce in your house every week, that you have already paid for, you have to use it. Whatever your reason, a CSA is a great way to get farm fresh produce into your kitchen every week, without the thought and planning that comes with visiting a Farmer's Market. It's healthy eating for the Lazy, so why not.

I don't feel like investing in a CSA, it seems like a lot of money and way too much veg, is there something else I can do?

Sure, you can visit your local farmer's market for fresh local produce at your every whim, or just shop more smartly at your local supermarket for farm fresh ingredients delivered there daily.