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's almost all of us), and the Lexington farmers who grow them together. The program 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 Lexington CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Lexington CSA subscribers. Rather than having to wade through the produce section every week farmers do the job 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 is a concept which is increasing in popularity across the country given it cuts 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 generally run from early May through September or October, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Lexington, OK
What are the benefits of joining a Lexington CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't need to be moved 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 you can get, since it is chosen, sorted and sent usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Lexington, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Lexington 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.
Lexington CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Lexington community. They've really 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.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Lexington consumers know they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide array of options, including;
- Veggies
- Fruits
- Flowers
- Meats
- Cheeses
You don't need to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many different cities to ensure 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, determine 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 Lexington
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Lexington CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for people who can not 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 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 is a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Lexington CSA in your area.