The Benefits of CSA
By: Princess Njoku
What is a CSA?
A CSA, also known as Community Supported Agriculture, allows city residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers. Residents are able to buy a share of vegetables from a regional farmer. Often times CSA members get the best of the best before anyone else does. The vegatbales are really fresh and produced by people the residents trust.
How does a CSA work and how do you become a memebr?
In order to become a member of a CSA you must first find one in your area. Once you have located a CSA that you prefer you then have to pay for the season upfront or according to your payment plan. Some CSAs are flexible in their payment plans and might offer scholarship shares. The money that you are paying, typically $400-$600, is what will enable your farmer to be able to obtain the seeds, purchase new equipment, make equipment repairs, etc. The once the farmer uses that money and makes crops, you as the member are then able to select the crops that you want. The share that you purchased is enough to feed a family of 2 or 3.
What are some benefits of joining a CSA?
The most common reason people join CSAs are for the fresh produce that they will be receiving, however there are many other benefits to joining a CSA. The first one is you get to learn about new fruits and vegetables, the second one is you develop a relationship with the farmers in your area. You trust that they are using quality products and tools to grow your vegetables. The third benefit is access to special buys, as a member you receive a great deal for your vegetables. The last benefit is that it saves you money if you know how to cook.