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 Blanchard 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 Blanchard CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Blanchard CSA subscribers. Instead of 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 really is an idea that's catching on throughout the country given it cuts out the middleman, ensures farm-fresh produce at affordable prices, and is good for the environment because it decreases transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions primarily run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Blanchard, OK
What are the advantages of joining a Blanchard CSA program? Well, the produce does not 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 the produce is just about as fresh as possible, because it's chosen, sorted and shipped usually on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Blanchard, because it gets rid of the middleman and joins the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Blanchard CSAs benefit 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.
Blanchard CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Blanchard community. They've definitely gained popularity in the last few years, and for good reason. They're 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 without breaking the bank, too.
Primarily, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Blanchard customers know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 many distinct cities to be 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 handled by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often arrange 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 are easy to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Blanchard
Even if you think you cannot afford to belong to Blanchard CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for many who can not afford to purchase a membership for a season. You're working in the fields for a pre-determined amount 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!
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's an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Blanchard CSA in your area.