What's a CSA?
A CSA, also referred to as 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 Bridgton farmers who grow them together. The program works on a subscription basis. Subscribers can purchase a subscription to the produce service for either a growing season or for the whole year.
How Bridgton CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Bridgton CSA subscribers. As opposed to having to wade through the produce section each week farmers do the work 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 really is a concept that is catching on across the country because it keeps out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Bridgton, ME
What are the advantages of joining a Bridgton CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be transferred to a warehouse or group of supermarkets, it's only transported once, to the pick-up location, so subscribers are helping save on fuel costs and spare the environment from emissions. One significant advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it's selected, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Bridgton, because it does away with the middleman and links the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Bridgton CSAs profit 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.
Bridgton CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Bridgton 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 will 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.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Bridgton customers can be certain they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array 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 a number of distinct 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 maintained by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often manage their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, determine if they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit almost everybody involved, plus they are easy to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Bridgton
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Bridgton CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those 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!
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 arrived at 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's a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Bridgton CSA in your area.