Join a Local CSA This Spring!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way to buy fresh, local, seasonal food directly from a nearby farmer. Here’s typically how they work: The farm offers a certain amount of memberships to the public. The member receives a portion of the farm’s weekly harvest of veggies, but other farm products may be included such as fresh culinary herbs, cut flowers, eggs, milk and meat. Interested families buy a membership (aka a “share” or a “subscription”) in advance of the growing season, providing the farmer with early season working capital. In return, members receive a box (or bag, or basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the growing season and the opportunity to become involved with the land and the people producing their food. Some CSA farms offer discounted share prices if you become a “working member”, e.g. volunteer a few hours per week helping out on the farm. This can be a great weekly family activity and outdoor learning environment for children!

Be Local Northern Colorado has a list of local CSA’s. Of these, Spring Kite Farm, Native Hill Farm and Happy Heart Farm may still have shares available.

If you’re outside Northern Colorado, Local Harvest can help you find a local CSA.

Most of us know our mechanics … shouldn’t we also know the people who grow our food? Join a CSA this spring!

Join a Local CSA This Spring!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way to buy fresh, local, seasonal food directly from a nearby farmer. Here’s typically how they work: The farm offers a certain amount of memberships to the public. The member receives a portion of the farm’s weekly harvest of veggies, but other farm products may be included such as fresh culinary herbs, cut flowers, eggs, milk and meat. Interested families purchase a membership (aka a “share” or a “subscription”) in advance of the growing season, providing the farmer with early season working capital. In return, members receive a box (or bag or basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the growing season and the opportunity to become involved with the land and the people producing their food. Some CSA farms offer discounted share prices if you become a “working member”, e.g. volunteer a few hours per week helping out on the farm. This can be a great weekly family activity and outdoor learning environment for children!

The Northern Colorado Food Incubator has a list of local CSA’s. Of these, I know that On the Vine at Richmond Farms still has both working and non-working memberships available. For more detailed information, visit On the Vine’s Facebook page at facebook.com/OntheVineFarm or download their basic information and membership form directly (pdf’s).

If you’re outside Northern Colorado, Local Harvest can help you find a local CSA.

Most of us know our mechanics … shouldn’t we also know the people who grow our food? Join a CSA this spring!

Join a Local CSA This Spring!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way to buy fresh, local, seasonal food directly from a nearby farmer. Here’s typically how they work: The farm offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Usually the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included such as fresh culinary herbs, cut flowers, eggs, milk and meat. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box (or bag or basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the growing season. Some CSA farms offer discounted share prices if you become a “working member”, e.g. volunteer a few hours per week helping out on the farm.

The Northern Colorado Food Incubator has a list of local CSA’s. Of these, I know Happy Heart Farm and On the Vine at Richmond Farms are both still offering 2011 shares.

If you’re outside Northern Colorado, Local Harvest can help you find a local CSA.

Most of us know our mechanics … shouldn’t we know the people who grow our food? Join a CSA this spring!