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 Edgewood 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 Edgewood CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Edgewood CSA subscribers. Rather than needing to wade through the produce section each 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 really is an idea which is increasing in popularity around the country given it cuts out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at cheap prices, and is good for the environment because it minimizes transportation costs, as well. CSA subscriptions usually run from early May through September or October, dependent on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Edgewood, WA
What are the benefits of joining a Edgewood CSA program? Well, the produce does not have to be transferred 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 is picked, sorted and sent generally on the same day.
Often, it's less costly than buying produce through] supermarkets in Edgewood, because it gets rid of the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Edgewood CSAs benefit the local economy, too, simply because they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Edgewood CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Edgewood community. They have 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're a great way for the consumer to get high-quality products without breaking the bank, too.
Generally, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Edgewood consumers know they are eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide selection 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 several distinct 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 managed by local food co-ops or service organizations, while farmers often arrange 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 everybody involved, and they are simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Edgewood
Even if you think you can't afford to belong to Edgewood CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for many who can not afford to buy a membership for a season. You're employed in the fields for a pre-determined amount 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 is a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Edgewood CSA in your area.