Farm Fresh Produce Without the Work?

It's true! Well, partially. It's a matter of who does the labor. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) might provide the gardening option you want if you prefer fresh, local produce, but have no land and farming tools, can't form a gardening co-op with family or friends, or perhaps have a debilitating illness or you have more money than time. Unlike the local farmer's market, the CSA allows you to actually invest in the farming. You may be given opportunities to suggest and impact what is grown.

Typically, here's how a CSA, such as Johnson Farms at Wilmington, works. A farmer offers shares to the general public. You purchase a share or a membership from the CSA. A share consists of a box of produce. A membership would provide you with a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. A variation of this is the market-style CSA membership plan that allows you to pick and choose what goes into your box. Some CSAs have additional offerings such as eggs, poultry, bread, cheese, fruits and flowers. Many CSAs have an agreement with food banks and donate excess foods.

Advantages to membership are:
*Eat ultra-fresh locally-grown food, higher in nutrients and flavor than the produce grocery stores can offer, and it's likely to be organically grown.
*Expose your palate to varieties and new methods of preparation.
*Receive invitations and opportunities to visit/tour the farm.
*Have fruits and veggies from "your farm", something children and adults both enjoy.
*Build a trusting relationship with the farmer who grows your food.
Additionally:
*You don't have to spend time out in a garden and get all sweaty and dirty.
*You avoid overhead costs such as the investment in tools and land.

As with all good ventures, there are risks involved. For example, it could be a bad weather year for growing corn and that would directly impact what goes into your box.

If this might work for you, check it out, looking at both the advantages for you and the disadvantages. You may find this gives you and your family a connection to the land, so good for the soul, that you could not otherwise have. You may also find the foods on your table to be more flavorful and nutritious. I urge you, in one way or another, to connect with the land and live your life abundantly!