If you want to jump on the "eat healthy, buy local" bandwagon, now is a great time to sign up with a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Everyone from vegans, to Atkins diet followers, to average consumers are discovering the benefits of purchasing healthy foods grown locally. A CSA program can provide you and your family with fresh produce, meats and even flowers throughout the growing season.
The Minnesota Grown directory provides details on 16 different Minnesota CSAs. These farms commonly offer "shares" of fresh produce on a weekly schedule. A CSA share can be purchased for roughly $500, although prices may vary. A full share in a CSA farm generally provides enough vegetables to feed a family of four with omnivorous diets, or two vegetarians. Some farms also allow the purchase of half-shares.
Depending on the CSA, your weekly share may be either dropped-off at a convenient location, or they have you pick it up at the farm. Many of the CSAs offer drop-sites in the metro area and in other Minnesota locations. A few deliver direct to consumers.
Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) Marketing Specialist Brian Erickson said early spring is the best time to sign up for a CSA. "Many growers make their spring planting decisions based upon how many shares they've sold," he said. "Shopping for a CSA is a personal matter and each farm is unique, so if you're signing up for the first time, you'll want to make sure the CSA will meet your family's needs."
More information on Minnesota's CSA programs can be found online at www.minnesotagrown.com .
