I'm sure my article "10 Steps to a Healthier You" peaked your curiosity for learning more about CSA programs, so here is a short and sweet follow-up piece sure to make you want your own box of produce fresh from the farm.
Simply put, a Community Supported Agriculture program is like a weekly magazine or newspaper subscription, but you get fresh produce instead! Before the growing season, you pay the farm a sum of money to buy a "share" in their crops. Then you reap the benefits of that share throughout the summer, fall, and sometimes winter. There are so many options as to which farm you partner with and which products you receive, whether it's fruits and veggies, meat and eggs, or flowers and plants; there is sure to be a program to please your interests and needs. I have to admit, I've only tried the fruit-and-veggie-only variety of CSA but I've heard all the types have appealing benefits. Here are just a few ways that joining a CSA could enrich your life this summer:
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1. Picking up a big box of fresh produce will motivate you to eat healthy.
Let's be honest: it is much easier to pick one box up per week than to spend the time trying to pick out those same foods at the grocery store (because you end up buying junk food there too). And you won't just let all this perfectly good, vitamin-packed food go to waste!
2. Supporting local farms is important for your community.
It allows the farms to continue to thrive through good and bad seasons and helps keep the land in the hands of locals.
3. You get to experiment cooking with new foods and recipes.
Ever heard of bok choy or kohlrabi? Are you up for the challenge of learning how to cook them?
4. You have something to look forward to every week.
When I was little, I always checked the mailbox to see if my American Girl magazine came. I can't say my excitement for my weekly box from the farm is any less.
5. You'll save a lot of money.
Grocery store prices for these items are significantly higher. I'm sure you can easily think of another use for the money you will save.
If it's too late for this year, you can always sign up early for next summer and fall! Enjoy!
