Kitchen Gardens, Farmers Markets, CSAs, Oh My
The Benefit of Farmers Markets and Community Supported Agriculture Operations
Apr 26, 2009
Farmers' markets and Community- Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms are a great way to save money on food while providing delicious healthy options for yourself and your family. Depending on the type of farmers market in your area you should be able to pick up a good selection of vegetables and fruits. Meat, cheese, honey or bread may also be available.
Save Money, Eat Better
During the spring several larger markets may partner with local distributors to provide a selection of vegetables and herbs for planting, an excellent choice if you want to start a garden of your own. For example, a seller at the South Carolina Farmer’s market in Columbia, SC offers a four pack of Big Boy or Early Girl tomatoes for $2.15 per pack. One would easily pay upward of $3.00 per plant at chain stores.
What's a CSA?
Community- Supported Agriculture (CSA) originated during the 1960s in Switzerland and Japan, migrated to Europe and found a home in the US during the 1980s. A CSA's defining characteristic is that it sells directly to the consumer, who owns a share of the farm through a subscription.
Not many people have the time or space to devote to farming a large amount of land; CSAs can provide more variety than a small plot of land or the local grocery store. Once you purchase a share or subscription from a CSA farm, food is either delivered directly to you during a certain time period, such as once per week or you pick up your selection at the farm itself. Based on the area the CSA is located in selections can range from free range poultry, fresh eggs, vegetables or fish.
Buying from a farmers market or a CSA supports local economies as well as giving you access to fresh food. To find a CSA near you, visit LocalHarvest.org. Sharing the Harvest: A Citizens Guide to Community Supported Agriculture [Chelsea Green Publishing, 2007] by Elizabeth Henderson and Rob Van En is a great resource for delving into community agriculture. Farms of Tomorrow Revisited:Community Supported Farms Farm Supported Communities [Biodynamic Farming and Gardening Association, 1998] by Trauger Groh and Steve McFadden and From Asparagus to Zucchini: A Guide to Cooking Farm-Fresh Seasonal Produce [Jones Books, 2004] by the Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coaltion will help you to utilize the produce you find at the markets.
Shopping locally and utilizing the resources your community has to offer opens up a multitude of possibilities. Please see " Build Your Own Garden” for tips on how to bring a variety of ingredients to your own back yard.
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