What's a CSA?
A CSA, sometimes called 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 Gig Harbor 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 Gig Harbor CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Gig Harbor CSA subscribers. Rather than 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's a concept that's increasing in popularity across the country because it cuts out the middleman, guarantees farm-fresh produce at reasonable 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, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Gig Harbor, WA
What are the advantages of joining a Gig Harbor CSA program? Well, the produce doesn't have to be transferred 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 that the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is chosen, sorted and sent usually on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Gig Harbor, because it eliminates the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Gig Harbor 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.
Gig Harbor CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Gig Harbor community. They have truly taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they are going to 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 Gig Harbor consumers can be sure they are 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 diverse 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 managed 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 almost everybody involved, plus they are simple to start and maintain, so there's no reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Gig Harbor
Even if you feel you can't afford to belong to Gig Harbor CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are offering apprenticeships for many who can't afford to purchase a membership for a season. You're employed 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!
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 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 Gig Harbor CSA in your area.