CSA - anyone participate?

**MTS04** · 06-18-2008, 02:31 AM

For the past year or so, I've been curious about CSA. Unfortunately, every time I look into it, the shares are sold. Ive got my own garden, but it would be neat to get the different veggies that I don't grow. Does anyone here participate?

For those that are unsure what CSA is - it's community supported agriculture. this is one website that explains it more: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/

**Susanscraps** · 06-18-2008, 08:26 AM

This is the second year we've participated in a CSA. I signed up and paid for our share in January, because of a 20% discount. I really enjoy picking up our box every week....to see what we will be eating all week. For example, this past week, we got 2 pints of strawberries, young garlic, green onions, 4 bags of lettuce, parsley, cilantro and sugar snap peas. Plus, there are usually some extra produce you can take off a side table. I really do plan my meals around our green stash! I had wanted to volunteer (there is an additional discount the following year if you do), but my work schedule did not cooperate. Maybe next year! Our farm also sends out a weekly email with a recipe...that is helpful, especially if I can't figure out what I have in the box! Join next year if you can!

**quiltingmommy** · 06-18-2008, 08:33 AM

I plan on doing at least a half share next year. I have a decent sized garden but half of it gets eaten by the deer or rabbits. The rabbits have already eaten my peas twice, my lettuce, spinach and beet greens and my cucumber plants once. No matter what I do, they get in there and munch, munch, munch. It makes it tougher on the grocery budget and since ds eats mainly raw vegetables, I need to always have plenty on hand. The upfront cost is scary, but I just spent about $20 this past week on veggies and a watermelon.

**ab27** · 06-19-2008, 01:49 PM

For some odd reason I was thinking of Confederate States of America.

**freebs** · 06-19-2008, 01:57 PM

i seen a few in my area but anyone that does this how large of a box do you get for your money??

**janis362529** · 06-19-2008, 03:51 PM

We are doing a full share by their work program. I will have to pay $100 instead of $600 and work for 40 hours. I am so looking forward to my first box next week.

**vigilant20** · 06-19-2008, 04:11 PM

I just joined one

It seems really great. It's year round and a half share is $8 a week. I can I can opt in or out each week...so there won't be waste if I'm outta town or didn't finish my last box. Yay!

**dwallyfam** · 06-19-2008, 06:16 PM

I joined one at the grocery store. It has been great. For $25 I have been getting lots of goodies.

**Lady_V** · 06-19-2008, 06:18 PM

Next year...

Seems as whenever I remember, it's too late and it's sold out... this time, I put a reminder on my Google Calendar to remind me New Years Eve so I can write it on my 2009 calendar...

**Michelle** · 06-19-2008, 06:32 PM

There are a few near me...but the upfront cost is just too much for me at this time.

I'm looking at 3 in particular which cost $450 (2 of them), and $500. Each of these say that the produce is suitable for 2 adults.

I do like the concept though

**MommyBliss** · 06-19-2008, 08:45 PM

I would like to do it, but in our area it's so expensive that I've opted not to. It's cheaper for me to just go to local produce stands.

**geckoace** · 06-19-2008, 10:22 PM

we do this is our first year so we have a half share. and ill tell you i have picked up a boat load of snap peas!! its great the produce is so fresh.

to help with costs, i decided last year i was going to do it and then set a little aside

**FrugalWitch** · 06-20-2008, 02:46 PM

Yes and we love it! Ours will actually deliver to our front door for a small additional fee. $10 I think. The closest pick-up point was over 40 minutes away, so home-delivery is great.

In addition to produce ours also offers butter, eggs, chickens, lamb, pork, honey, catfish and tilapia. All products are 100% organic, meats, eggs and butter are from pasture-raised animals.

We find the taste of the food to be vastly superior to the supermarket items. It also seems more filling somehow. I think Momma's improved health is at least in part due to eating chemical-free.

It is one thing we as a family are willing to pay extra for.

**MTS04** · 06-23-2008, 02:52 AM

Thank you all for the input. I am now on a waiting list for 2009.

Thanks

**IntlMom** · 06-23-2008, 07:06 AM

I do. Yes it's pricey, but it's so much better than the "junk" at the grocery store. I get a half share, as I have my own large garden. I love supporting the CSA in my area. Not only that, but mine is super flexible. We were gone for two saturdays on vacation, and the next two weeks, he will upgrade my half share to a full share....which is great!