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, (and that's most of us), and the Issaquah farmers who grow them together. This system 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 Issaquah CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Issaquah CSA subscribers. As opposed to needing to wade through the produce section every week 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 is a concept that's increasing in popularity around the country since it keeps out the middleman, assures farm-fresh produce at reasonable 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, depending on where you reside.
Benefits of CSAs in Issaquah, WA
What are the benefits of joining a Issaquah CSA program? Well, the produce does not 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 advantage is that the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it's chosen, sorted and delivered typically on the same day.
Often, it's cheaper than buying produce through] supermarkets in Issaquah, because it eliminates the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Issaquah CSAs profit 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.
Issaquah CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Issaquah community. They've truly taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They are 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 having to break the bank, too.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Issaquah customers 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 have to live right next to an agricultural area, either, often farmers will spread their produce around in many diverse cities to make 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 coordinate their own CSAs, too. If you know a farmer, determine whether they're offering a CSA program, and if they're not, give them a hint! These programs benefit just about everyone involved, and they are simple to start and maintain, so there isn't any reason why your community should do without one.
CSA Apprenticeship in Issaquah
Even if you feel you cannot afford to belong to Issaquah CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for many who can't 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's an excellent feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Issaquah CSA in your area.