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 is almost all of us), and the Kirkland farmers who grow them together. This system 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 Kirkland CSAs Work
Grocery shopping is a whole lot easier for Kirkland CSA subscribers. Rather than 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's a concept that's getting more popular around the country since 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 live.
Benefits of CSAs in Kirkland, WA
What are the advantages of joining a Kirkland 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 advantage is the produce is just about as fresh as you can get, because it is selected, sorted and sent typically on the same day.
Often, it's less expensive than buying produce through] supermarkets in Kirkland, because it eliminates the middleman and connects the consumer and the local farmer without any markup on profit. Kirkland CSAs help the local economy, too, since they maintain the revenue right in the area, instead of sending it to other countries or other states where produce may originate.
Kirkland CSA Programs Are on the Rise
Just a few short years ago, a CSA program probably didn't exist in your Kirkland community. They've definitely taken off in the last few years, and for good reason. They are a great way for farmers to know they're going to 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.
Usually, the crops are organic, so health-conscious Kirkland consumers can be certain they're eating right, and community supported agriculture programs offer a wide variety 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 many distinct 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 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 just about everybody 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 Kirkland
Even if you feel you can not afford to belong to Kirkland CSAs, don't despair. Many farmers are providing apprenticeships for those who can't afford to purchase a membership for a season. You work 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 a very good feeling. So, help a farmer, feed your family better, and save money by joining Kirkland CSA in your area.