does anyone use a CSA for food?

[3hungryboys]

I saw this mentioned in another thread and checked the attached link (localharvest.org) and found one near my area (dh would have to drive down Fridays after work for pickup, but it isn't too far from where he works). This particular one has eggs, produce (veggies, corn, herbs), fish, chicken, pork, and goat(???). It is $360 for 20 weeks or $72 for 4 weeks but I am not sure how much you actually receive in a share? Both come out to $18/wk. We are a family of 5. We coupon/stockpile and shop the loss leaders. Our grocery budget is already ridiculously low for our area ($60/wk for all household items), but I find that the majority of money that we spend winds up going to produce and meat, so I am wondering if this is a good way to cut costs while also giving us more variety and healthier, local food. Any thoughts? Has anyone done this and can you give me some idea as to how much a share would feed for a week, etc? Any info appreciated!

[quiltingmommy]

CSA's are fantastic and that is a great price! CSA's in our area for winter are usually around 300+ and usually do not include eggs or meat, just winter veggies. The best part about them is that you KNOW where the food came from, and usually the farmers that set up the CSA are growing/raising their own food or purchasing from area farms to include in their CSA. It is usually a better quality of food and typically is organic without the organic label.

If I could find a csa that low that included meat and eggs, I would definitely take it! Ask the farmer how much meat per week you receive or if you just go with your box and choose from what they have that particular week. (some meats may not be available every week.)