The ABCs OF CSAs
While it may sound like alphabet soup, the basic concept behind a CSA, or community-supported agriculture, is to encourage relationships between consumers and growers. Interested community members opt to become farm “shareholders” by purchasing a share, or subscription, of the farm's production before the growing season begins, enabling farmers to purchase seeds, transplants, and other essentials prior to harvest time.
Many CSA members choose to support local food systems as a way of knowing where and how their food is grown, while developing a deeper understanding and appreciation of the farmer's stewardship and connection to the land. Others join CSAs because they are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprint and environmental impact, since locally grown food can also mean lower transportation and energy costs. Others, still, join because most CSA farms either carry the “naturally grown” or “organic” label, which are fairly similar in their implication – no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, plus sustainable farming practices. In other words, vegetables you can really feel good about eating.
Being a part of a CSA will also revolutionize the dinner table! Each box contains fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, complete with recipes so you can make delicious meals using everything in the box. Here are some other things to know:
You Don't Know What You're Going To Get
Unlike shopping at the store or farmers' market, you don't get to choose what comes in your CSA box. You usually get plenty of food, all fresh, local, and seasonal, but you don't know whether it will include zucchini or corn or kale or tomatoes, all of the above, or none of the above. Each delivery is a fresh adventure!
But You Have A Rough Idea
As you get a feel for the seasonality of your area and your particular farm, you'll have a general idea of what to expect.
The Food May Be Perfectly Imperfect
Sometimes you may get some things that are oddly shaped, or just not "supermarket perfect."
You Usually Get A Lot
Usually, each delivery is almost more than you’ll be able to eat. Almost. It actually will “force” you to include the produce in every meal in order to use it up. And of course, that's the whole point.
But Not Always
Sometimes, especially at the beginning of the season, a delivery may feel a little skimpy. Remember, a farm is not a factory, producing a predictable quantity of widgets each week - at least, it shouldn't be. Real, natural farms, especially small ones, are subject to the whims of weather, bugs, critters, markets, aging equipment and illness and injury. In a CSA, you're partnering with a farmer for a season, not just buying a single box of produce. And some seasons are just naturally more bountiful than others.
You Might Need To Shop A Little
Sometimes a box is filled with many tomatoes, bunches of parsley, and one carrot! Now what can a person do with just one carrot? They can go to the store and get a few more!
You Might Need To Volunteer
Many CSAs are run by volunteers. Some have a core group or committee that handles most or all of the work; in some, the work is shared by all the members. In most, the volunteer work involves helping with sorting and other logistics at the delivery site, not at the farm. Tasks can include: standing in the warm sun, greeting fellow CSA members at pickup, flattening and moving boxes, and keeping the veggies in the shade!
No Self Discipline Is Required
When you belong to a CSA, there's much less need to gird your shopping loins with self-discipline before each trip to the grocery store. For one thing, your fridge is already so full of veggies, you actually don't need to shop nearly as often. Fewer trips to the store = fewer temptations. And you don't have to work too hard to eat more fruits and veggies. They're all over your kitchen. You just eat more of them.
Did you know there are a few places in Charlottesville that offer CSA memberships? Read on to learn about a few and click on the links for more information.
Tomas RAHAL is known for his famous tapas - utilizing local produce as well as goods imported from Spain such as olive oil, Jamon Iberico, AND Spanish cheeses. CSA Members receive exactly what Tomas uses in the Quality Pie kitchen, featuring seasonal items as well as his favorite Spanish pantry items, to give you a boost of creativity in your own kitchen.
Bellair Farm strives to be your one-stop-shop for all things local in Southern Albemarle! they have something for everyone, including a csa program! members receive fresh veggies and weekly add-on shares, which include berry, mushroom, milk/cheese/yogurt, and egg shares.
Whisper hill’s CSA Program has options for both Charlottesville and on-farm in Scottsville. Each location will have a market stand set-up where CSA members can select the produce they want from week to week.
Did you know that Bee conscious has an organic, sustainable, bio-diverse, "No till" farm? Feed your body with healthy, local food, encouraging a healthy mind and active lifestyle with a bee conscious csa, which includes produce, pastries, and "additions." Find comfort in knowing where and how your food is grown, at the same time contributing to carbon sequestration.
If you are in need of some dietary guidance, click the button below to book a Complimentary Assessment to see how we can help with your nutrition! And if you know of any other local CSAs, let us know in the comments below .