What's a CSA?
A CSA, sometimes called a Community Supported Agriculture Program, is a program with the goal to put people who use farm-grown products, (and that is most of us), and the East Chicago 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 East Chicago CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for East Chicago CSA subscribers. Rather than having to wade through the produce section each week 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 is a concept that is increasing in popularity throughout the country given it keeps out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it cuts down transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you live.
Benefits of CSAs in East Chicago, IN
What are the benefits of joining a East Chicago CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be moved 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 is picked, sorted and shipped typically on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in East Chicago, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. East Chicago CSAs help the local economy, too, because they keep the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
East Chicago CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your East Chicago community. They've definitely 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 having to break the bank, too.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious East Chicago consumers know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You do not 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 don't have a CSA program in your community, talk to a local community service organization about starting one. Some are handled by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often organize 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're simple to start and maintain, so there is no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in East Chicago
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to East Chicago CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for those who can't 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 a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining East Chicago CSA in your area.