Community Supported Agriculture

I really like supporting CSA's. If you search on the internet you should be able to find a local listing. I used full harvest farms out of Hartford, WI. The good - it's fresh and you supporting local farmers saving trucking fuel, etc. The bad, you are taking the risk just like the farmer and sometimes you have more produce than you know what to do with. I might share a box this year that way I only will get a box every other week. It will make it more managable.

We've had a CSA share from Harmony Valley Farm in Wisconsin (www.harmonyvalleyfarm.com) for the last two years, and the vegetables have been great -- we even had spinach we knew was safe during that big scare. They have a lot of different options, and you can also buy fruit, meat, eggs, milk, cheese, and coffee shares. We did the fruit share last year as well, and will be doing so again this year. They partner with other organic farms around the country to offer those items. They also offer drop-off sites all around the metro area. We have gotten some uncommon vegetables, but the farm's newsletter includes articles about and recipes for vegetables people might not be used to. If your family is small, you might want to share your CSA share with another family so you don't wind up with lots more veggies than you can eat. I know Harmony Valley offers several different kinds of vegetable shares, and other CSA's probably do as well, so you can find one that's the best fit for your family. One last bonus we've noticed is that our 4-year-old daughter is really excited to go pick up our vegetables, and is slightly more willing to try the CSA vegetables than the ones we buy at the store.

AP
CSA's are great. I've been a part of one for 3 years. The first one wasn't the best experience, but we have found one Foxtail Farms that we really like. Three of us in the neighborhood take part in it, one neighbor and I split a share because it is a lot to consume in a week or less.

V.

Check out Whole Farm Coop. It's different than most CSAs in that you order what you want. http://www.wholefarmcoop.com/

My family takes part in a CSA. This will be our second year. Last year was great and I would highly recommend it. The biggest concern is that if the weather is bad you may not get as many veggies. I would recommend finding one that has a convenient pickup in your area that grows vegetables that you like. The one we are part of also has the option to order organic meat and eggs and other non-veg things for additional cost.

Hello,
I have not joined a CSA, but something on that order is that near the corner of Northview Rd and Grandview in Waukesha are garden plots open to members of the community. I believe it is either free or quite low cost. I'm not sure how to find out more, but if you contact Waukesha Park and Rec Department, I think they either handle it or would know who to contact. Good luck gathering your info.
M.

You could check out this website to locate a CSA, or farmers market near you. http://www.localharvest.org/

Other than that, I can't add anything that hasn't been said by others.

We joined a CSA last year for the first time. I loved it!! If you like veggies and are willing to try new things, it is great. I split a share with my neighbor every other week and there was plenty for both of us. The price is reasonable. You cannot buy organic veggies all summer long for the price of a share or a split share. There is piece of mind knowing that you are not feeding your family food that is blasted with chemicals. Good luck!

CSAs aren't for everyone, but they are great for people who like to eat lots of fruits and vegetables, like to cook, and like to try new things (how many recipes do you have for eggplant?). I have a friend who joined an organic CSA because she liked the concept, but didn't consider that really, neither she nor her daughter eat vegetables so they had a lot of food that ended up being thrown away. If you are interested you should find out specifics from different CSAs such as what produce (some have flowers and dairy too) and how much to expect (for some the smallest share is still too much food) and details of pick up, schedules, etc. to help find the right one for you. Also, you could ask them for the names of members to talk to about their experiences.

Hi! I've been doing a CSA for several years now. I've changed farms for various reasons. Best thing to do is check them out...what do you get for the price, what did they have last year, how many weeks is the season, what else do they offer, are there worker shares available/half shares. Also, do they special events at their farm to help you and your family truly connect with where the food is coming from? You may also want to check with your health insurance...some give a reimbursement for being a member of a CSA. Also, if you haven't already done so, collect recipies on how to prepare the different veggies. You don't just get carrots and lettuce in those boxes.

Good Luck!