Do you CSA?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA embodies a special relationship that links farmers directly with the people, and provides fresh food, usually at low prices, to the community. With CSA, at the beginning of the season, people buy shares of a local farm's anticipated harvest and then receive weekly shares of the produce harvested that week. CSA seasons usually run from May or June to October or November. Some farms have extended growing seasons, which can include spring and winter; it's a great treat to find a Farm that offers CSA shares all year long. Often times you can get a large share or a small share (which may be very other week) to accommodate smaller households and larger families. A CSA subscription can be an amazing deal if you want to eat fresh, local and organic produce (and sometimes milk, eggs and meat) at a reasonable cost. It may very well be the difference between whether or not you can afford this quality and abundance of food.

I have found a farm offering CSA shares in my area all year long. The farm is Tangherini's Spring Street Farm located in Millis, MA ( http://www.tangerinisfarm.com/tangerini_farm_csa.htm ). Although, the  main season is already up and running, I plan on getting the Winter and Deep Winter CSA shares. It costs $400 for 4 months, so $100 per month for organic, local veggies for 4 people isn't bad at all. I truly love the idea of CSA; I am a big fan of buying things from local vendors and small businesses as opposed to buying them from big corporations. This way of shopping and spending money seems like a much more sustainable way of living. The food you get from CSA is also better for you. It is FRESH and local; it was harvested that week. It was picked at it's prime ripeness, which means it has the most vitamins and minerals; grocery store produce is picked early and hasn't had enough time to produce the maximum amount of nutrients. It is organic (sometimes... a farm offering CSA shares may or may not be organic, Tangerini's food is organically grown.), which means you don't have to be worried about consuming harmful chemicals.

In my opinion a CSA is truly a healthy, sustainable and affordable lifestyle choice. Check and see if there are any CSAs near you!