Why I Love my CSA Box: Fresh, Local, and Sustainable
It’s finally here: CSA box season! The first communications about the CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program began to go out in late winter and I could hardly wait until June when the program started – and now it’s here!
There are so many reasons I love being part of these programs and so wanted to share a few reasons why they are such a great experience for ourselves, our communities, and our planet.
1. Freshness: CSA boxes provide subscribers with some of the best fruit and vegetables – mine harvests the same day as pick up! Unlike supermarket vegetables and fruits, which may have traveled hundreds or even thousands of miles to reach you, CSA produce is typically harvested at peak ripeness and delivered within days. This means enjoying the freshest and most delicious produce!
2. Sustainable and Environmentally Friendly: CSAs often use sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, crop rotation, and reduced pesticide use. Participants of CSA boxes are promoting agricultural methods that are better for the environment. Additionally, the reduced transportation distances lowers our carbon footprint related to food, contributing to a healthier planet.
3. Support Local Farmers: Buying a CSA box directly supports local farmers. This direct connection ensures that more of our food dollars go to the people who actually grow our food. It’s a tangible way to bolster local economies and keep small farms thriving.
4. Getting inspired: Eating seasonally means consuming produce that is in its natural harvest cycle, which tends to be more nutritious and flavorful. CSA boxes help you align your diet with the seasons, and encourage creativity in the kitchen by deliverying a variety of fruits and vegetables that you might not typically buy. It’s fun to discover new types of produce and new ways to prepare them. Some CSAs (mine included!) include recipes or cooking tips with their boxes, helping to expand culinary knowledge and develop new cooking skills. So far this season I’ve discovered braising greens which are delicious when briefly fried until wilted with a bit of garlic and balsamic vinegar! For more inspiration, check out our series on eating local in every season here.
5. Know Where Your Food Comes From: In an era of increasing food safety concerns, knowing where your food comes from is more important than ever. With a CSA, you have a direct line to the source of your food. Many CSA programs offer farm tours, newsletters, and events where you can meet the farmers and learn about their growing practices. As a parent this is very important to me: I can be sure the foods I’m feeding my children are growth with health and safety in mind!
6. Builds a Sense of Community: Joining a CSA is about more than just food; it’s about community. CSA members often find themselves part of a network of like-minded individuals who care about healthy eating, sustainability, and supporting local agriculture. Many CSAs offer member events, recipe exchanges, and volunteer opportunities, fostering a sense of belonging and shared purpose. The farm where I am a member of the CSA program has a seed library!
7. Positive Impact on Health: Fresh, nutrient-dense produce is a cornerstone of a healthy diet. By consuming a variety of vegetables and fruits that are minimally processed and free from pesticides, you’re doing your body (and the environment) a favor. Another reason, as a parent, that I love being part of these programs!
Other Ways to Shop Local Without Joining a CSA box program
Not wanting to make the committment to a whole season of CSA boxes? Here are a few other ways to take advantage of in-season local produce:
- Split a CSA program with friends
- Farmers markets
- Farm stands
- Growing your own!
- Looking for local produce in your grocery store
Conclusion
Sourcing food locally is a great way to support our neighborhood farmers, our communities, and promote environmental sustainability. I love that it’s a more connected, conscious, and fulfilling way of making meals for loved ones, and the ingredients taste so much better too!
How do you source and incorporate local produce in your menu?
One Comment
Molly | Transatlantic Notes
This is such a fantastic idea and a great way to make community connections while doing something lovely the planet (and our bodies). I hope more and more CSA initiatives like this are implemented wherever they can be used. Brilliant!