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, (and that's almost all of us), and the Oak Forest farmers who grow them together. This system works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can get a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Oak Forest CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Oak Forest CSA subscribers. As opposed to having to wade through the produce section weekly farmers do the work for them. Local farmers come up with 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 is increasing in popularity throughout the country because it cuts out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions generally run from early May through September or October, based on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Oak Forest, IL
What are the advantages of joining a Oak Forest CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be transferred to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only transferred once, to the pick-up location, so subscribers are helping save on fuel costs and spare the environment from emissions. One significant advantage is that the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it's chosen, sorted and delivered generally on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Oak Forest, because it eliminates the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Oak Forest CSAs benefit the local economy, too, since they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Oak Forest CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Oak Forest community. They have truly taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they are going to have a market for their crops, but they are a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products without breaking the bank, too.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Oak Forest customers can be certain they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in several different cities to make sure all their crops are spoken for.
If you do not have a CSA program in your community, talk to a local community service organization about starting one. Some are maintained 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 everyone involved, and they are simple to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Oak Forest
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to Oak Forest CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can't afford to buy a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined period of time each week, and find out 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!
At 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 a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Oak Forest CSA in your area.