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 East Meadow farmers who grow them together. The program 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 Meadow CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for East Meadow CSA subscribers. Instead of having to wade through the produce section weekly 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's a concept that is getting more popular throughout the country given it keeps out the middleman, ensures 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, based on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in East Meadow, NY
What are the benefits of joining a East Meadow CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be transported 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 key benefit is the produce is just about as fresh as possible, since it is selected, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in East Meadow, because it eliminates the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. East Meadow CSAs benefit the local economy, too, because they keep your revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
East Meadow CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your East Meadow community. They have definitely taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They're a great way for farmers to know they are going to have a market for their crops, but they're a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products without breaking the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious East Meadow consumers 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 do not need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many distinct cities to ensure 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 coordinate 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 easy to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in East Meadow
Even if you think you cannot afford to belong to East Meadow CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for many who can not afford to purchase a membership for a season. You're employed in the fields for a pre-determined amount of time each week, and find out 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 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 East Meadow CSA in your area.