So spring has finally sprung, the snow has all melted away, and the warm weather is in our forecast. That means its time to start checking out your different options when it comes to Community Sustained Agriculture or CSAs. Many people in the region already enjoy going to the local farmers market (located on Jay street in the summer or in Proctors in the winter every sunday), but if you are an avid veggie eater and like to reap the benefits of eating healthy and organic more often you may want to read my blog and check out some of the local CSAs that are still selling shares for the up coming season!
CSAs vary in price per share and offer different kinds of shares. The most talked about are the vegetable and fruit shares which are usually between $450 and $600 per share. A share entails you to 8-15 pounds of fresh vegetables/ fruits every week which is usually enough to feed 4-5 people (so this may be a great option for a family or a group of friends). The shares are good for between 15 and 20 weeks depending on the rules for the specific CSA. Also note that the vegetables that you get are what is in season for that time and what is ready to pick. This means that you could be getting some very different fruits and veggies than your typically used to. It's a great way to start looking up new recipes and experimenting with new foods!
The other shares that are normally available include milk shares, egg shares and meat shares. Every CSA has different prices for these shares and different restrictions on how much you are given per week. These shares are
typically much cheaper than a vegetable or fruit share and offer a little more flexibility (for example you may not have to purchase one for the entire 15 weeks or you may be able to purchase week to week).
Lastly you will need to check out the different times or days that the CSA are open for picking up your share or if they have a drop off location. If you already attend the farmer's market on Jay Street than you may notice that many local CSAs have drop offs there every Sunday. Be sure that you are available to pick up your shares and that the farm is local enough that it won't be a hassle to get there.
Here is a short list of local farms that are around and still accepting 2013 applications for share holder:
- Lansing
Farm Market and Green House
- Buhrmaster
Farms
- Roxbury Farms
Just click on one of the farms above to be relocated to their webpage. You will find more information on pick up locations, shares offered, and pricing. CSAs are fun and a great way to eat healthy and support local farms, check them out and let me know
CSAs vary in price per share and offer different kinds of shares. The most talked about are the vegetable and fruit shares which are usually between $450 and $600 per share. A share entails you to 8-15 pounds of fresh vegetables/ fruits every week which is usually enough to feed 4-5 people (so this may be a great option for a family or a group of friends). The shares are good for between 15 and 20 weeks depending on the rules for the specific CSA. Also note that the vegetables that you get are what is in season for that time and what is ready to pick. This means that you could be getting some very different fruits and veggies than your typically used to. It's a great way to start looking up new recipes and experimenting with new foods!
The other shares that are normally available include milk shares, egg shares and meat shares. Every CSA has different prices for these shares and different restrictions on how much you are given per week. These shares are
typically much cheaper than a vegetable or fruit share and offer a little more flexibility (for example you may not have to purchase one for the entire 15 weeks or you may be able to purchase week to week).
Lastly you will need to check out the different times or days that the CSA are open for picking up your share or if they have a drop off location. If you already attend the farmer's market on Jay Street than you may notice that many local CSAs have drop offs there every Sunday. Be sure that you are available to pick up your shares and that the farm is local enough that it won't be a hassle to get there.
Here is a short list of local farms that are around and still accepting 2013 applications for share holder:
- Lansing
Farm Market and Green House
- Buhrmaster
Farms
- Roxbury Farms
Just click on one of the farms above to be relocated to their webpage. You will find more information on pick up locations, shares offered, and pricing. CSAs are fun and a great way to eat healthy and support local farms, check them out and let me know
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