What's a CSA?
A CSA, also known as a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (which is almost all of us), and the Kaneohe farmers who grow them together. This system works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can buy a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Kaneohe CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Kaneohe CSA subscribers. Instead of having to wade through the produce section every week farmers do the job for them. Local farmers put together a weekly basket of produce (sometimes meat and dairy as well) and deliver it to an established, central location, or subscribers can pick it up at the farm.
It's an idea that's increasing in popularity across the country because it cuts out the middleman, assures farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions usually run from early May through September or October, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Kaneohe, HI
What are the benefits of joining a Kaneohe CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be transported to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only moved once, to the pick-up location, so subscribers are helping save on fuel costs and spare the environment from emissions. One key benefit is that the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is selected, sorted and delivered generally on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Kaneohe, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Kaneohe CSAs benefit the local economy, too, since they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Kaneohe CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Kaneohe community. They've truly gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they're going to have a market for their crops, but they're a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products having to break the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Kaneohe individuals know they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide variety of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You do not need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many diverse cities to be sure all their crops are spoken for.
If you don't have a CSA program in your community, talk to a local community service organization about starting one. Some are managed by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often manage their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, find out if they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit just about everybody involved, and they're easy to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Kaneohe
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Kaneohe CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You work in the fields for a pre-determined period of time each week, and learn more about the business of agriculture, and you receive a share of the crops in return. Now that's a win-win situation for everyone!
During a time when we worry about the quality of our food, how far it's traveled, and how long it's been sitting in a warehouse before it finally reached the supermarket, these novel programs can bring a little more peace of mind about where dinner's coming from and teach you new skills at the same time.
Even if you don't want to work in an apprenticeship, you can usually visit the farm and actually see where your next meal is coming from, and that is an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Kaneohe CSA in your area.