What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a farming model where customers buy “shares” of a farm’s harvest in advance. Customers become CSA members by paying the investment at the beginning of the growing season, either in one lump sum or in installments. Once the harvest comes in, the member receives a weekly distribution or “share” of the produce.

This upfront payment helps the farmer buy the seed and other inputs needed for the season and provides the farmer an immediate income to begin the season.

By paying at the beginning of the season, CSA members share in the risk of production and relieve the farmer of the stress of bringing in enough income. The farmer has most of their produce “pre-sold” and can concentrate on good land stewardship and growing high quality food.

In return for their membership fee, customers receive a box of freshly picked vegetables every week, once the harvest starts in summer. 

But it’s so much more than a box of veggies…

A CSA is a partnership that transcends the usual farmer-customer dynamic. It’s a commitment to sharing in the journey of food production, a shared responsibility that goes beyond the simple act of purchasing produce.

You’re not just signing up for a weekly supply of fresh, locally grown vegetables. You’re signing up for a culinary revolution – a chance to break free from kitchen monotony and discover the joy of experimenting with vibrant, seasonal ingredients.

Your kids? They’re not just getting more veggies; they’re getting a passport to a world of flavors and culinary exploration. Brace yourself; they might turn into little food connoisseurs!

And that box of veggies? It’s not just an assortment of greens; it’s a story. A tale that begins in the fertile soils of a local farm, nurtured by passionate hands, and ends on your dinner plate. Suddenly, your meals aren’t just nourishment; they’re a celebration of the journey these vegetables took to reach you.

Being part of a CSA is like finding your people, your tribe. It’s a community of like-minded individuals sharing values and interests, fostering a sense of belonging that extends beyond the contents of your weekly share.

The learning? Oh, it’s not just about farming trivia. It’s about understanding the rhythm of nature and the dance of the seasons. It’s an education that goes beyond textbooks, connecting you with the essence of farm life.

And those farmers? They’re not faceless suppliers; they’re real people with stories, passions, and a genuine connection to the land. Knowing them transforms your food experience – it’s not just a meal; it’s a connection to the hands that cultivated the harvest.

The weekly bounty from your CSA is not just a box of veggies. It’s a commitment to a vibrant, interconnected community, a journey of flavors, and a celebration of the earth’s bounty.