A CSA, or community supported agriculture, is a seasonal program where you can get fresh produce and other products directly from a local farm. When you join a CSA, you sign up for regular deliveries of fruits, vegetables and sometimes meat or dairy from a farm in your area. With many CSA programs beginning next month, many people might be wondering whether it’s the right move for their household. Here is a breakdown of the pros and cons of a CSA:
How does a CSA work?
Before joining a CSA, find out what farms in your area offer shares to the public. LocalHarvest.org lists farmers and CSA subscriptions across the country. Read up on the different options available; depending on the farm, there may be only one size share, or there might be a number of sizes and types of shares. While fruits and vegetables are almost always offered, some may have meat, dairy, eggs, flowers, herbs, bread, cheese, coffee, honey or other local fare.
The program cost varies farm to farm, but the average tends to be between $300 and $500 for about four months (however, there are CSAs that cost much more and some that are less). Summer CSA programs typically begin in May or June and extend into September.
Once you sign up, you will find out the day and time to pick-up your delivery. Deliveries usually occur every week or every other week. Occasionally, there is some light volunteer work required when you join a CSA program, such as handing out deliveries or working on the farm. It’s a great way to get outside and to meet new people in your community.
Pros of signing up:
There are a few obvious pros to participating in a CSA program. First, the food you receive will be local and fresh, and you’ll know exactly where it’s coming from. You also get to support local agriculture. Weekly or biweekly pickups, instead of a few hours spent at the grocery store, will free up your schedule.
Though the price tag of a CSA can be intimidating, especially if a farm requires the entire cost up front, the best way to figure out if it is cost-effective is to break it down. Divide the cost by the number of weeks of your program and find out the cost per week. Then, measure that against the average amount you spend on those items at your grocery store each week. Many find that the value of a CSA is much higher than if they were doing their regular shopping.
Occasionally, farms will let you work for your CSA, offering programs where a few hours a week of work can be exchanged for your share. If you’re tight on money, it’s worth looking asking for options. Also, some health insurance providers will offer a CSA rebate. If this is the case with your health insurance, you could save a lot of money while boosting your nutrition and cleaning up your eating habits!
Cons of signing up:
You won’t have much control over the products included in each CSA delivery. This might leave you scratching your head at what to cook when you end up with a few odd ingredients now and then. However, if you love to cook and are up for a challenge, it shouldn’t be a problem for you.
Another potential downside is the limited time you have to use your fresh produce. Consider how much you cook and how many people you cook for; if your subscription includes more than you can use, then you may find your produce going to waste.
How to make the most of a CSA:
While there are pros and cons to every CSA program, there are ways to make the most of it. If you love the idea of fresh produce but have a busy schedule that doesn’t allow you to cook each night, consider sharing your CSA with friends or coworkers. Alternate weeks for pick-up, or split each delivery. If you’re splitting the food and the cost, you won’t waste produce or money. Sounds like a win-win!
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How to Save Money with a CSA originally appeared on usnews.com
