June 27, 2006
Our Local CSA: East Farms
CSA, or community supported agriculture, is something George and I started doing last year. You can buy a share in a local farm and receive a part of the harvest. We purchase a half share from East Farms for the year and every week, from late May until late October, we get a box full of whatever they've harvested out of the fields that morning. As an example, our share this week included three different varieties of lettuced, peas, zuchinni, radishes and turnips. Next week we're anticipating cherries, more squash and possibly corn. This is a great, inexpensive way to get fresh, pesticide free produce and in turn feel like you're supporting your community and doing your part for the environment. I especially wanted to do it this summer because Owen is now just beginning to start eating solid foods and I wanted to give him as great a variety as possible of veggies and fruits. While George and I are pretty heathful and hearty eaters, there are some produce picks that aren't ever going to make it into our cart. Getting a CSA share guarantees we'll try different veggies and fruits than we normally would purchase. It'll give Owen a chance to develop his love for brussel sprouts and spinach, even if his parents never do.