CSA # 1--5/7/09

Here is what we found in our share this week. A photo and mor info are below.

1 lb rhubarb – transitional – Country View Farm
1 bunch red radishes– certified organic – Farmdale Organics
1 bunch mint– certified organic – Goshen View
1 bunch white scallions – transitional – Taste of Nature Farm
8 oz cremini mushrooms – certified organic – Mother Earth Organics
¼ lb wrinkle-crinkle cress– certified organic – Riverview Organics
1 lb wildfire lettuce mix– certified organic – Scarecrow Hill Farm
½ lb arugula – certified organic – Farmdale Organics

CSA, it stands for community supported agriculture. It works like this: before the beginning of the growing season, you can purchase a full- or half-share in a CSA. The money goes to local farmers who deliver their harvest weekly, or bi-monthly, depending on your share. What you get in return is fresh, local, in-season, usually organic or transitional farm good (vegetables, fruit, eggs, dairy, baked goods, or whatever your CSA provides). It is a nice way to support local, small family farms as well as get fresh, tasty produce. Sarah and I feel closer to our food. Participating in a CSA is also a good way to build relationships with the people who deliver or produce your food. When was the last time you met the person who grew the tomatoes you bought at the supermarket? It is also fun because you get what is harvested. It is always a surprise and makes one be more creative with meals.

This year is our second season with the CSA. Last year we bought a half-share from Greensgrow, a nursery/produce stand down the street. It was a nice introduction to the CSA. At Greensgrow, in addition to produce, the shares include meat, dairy, eggs, honey, bread or other local farm goods, but dairy, eggs and such was just gravy to us. We can still go to Greensgrow if we need eggs or cheese if we like, but we don't have to purchase it in our CSA.

We decided to go with Lancaster Farm Fresh this year, as it is just vegetables. We pick up our share at Walking Fish Theatre, which is a couple of blocks from our house. I went with Dan, Mariko and their little man Owen. We hope to make it a Thursday date throughout the season. It was cool, we ran into Lena. She is a big part of the food coop start-up group that Sarah and I are a part of. See, relationships, nice.

Be well, eat well.