My PSA on CSAs
My first CSA box, a produce subscription from a local farm, changed everything about the way I eat.
I dug through my phone to find a picture of my first CSA box in Atlanta, Ga.Several years ago, I was living in a high-rise apartment in Atlanta, Georgia. I had been visiting farmers markets since college, but most of the farmers I met were my parents’ age. They were older, multi-generational farmers who had worked the land so long they had become a part of it. I respected their heritage and their lifestyle, but I didn’t really find myself relating to them. That was until I met Justin.
Justin was my age, had gone to college and retreated to farming as a way to start living his values. He cared about the environment, the health of our planet and wanted to connect to his community in a more meaningful way. He tended a small piece of land, created gorgeous produce displays at the farmers market each week, and he always had a nugget of new information to pass along in a kind and non-condescending way.
One of Justin’s lovely farmers market displays.I visited Justin each week at the market, and during one of these interactions, he told me I should sign up for his CSA. “CS-what?” I asked him. He explained that CSA stood for Community Support Agriculture. It was a way for market shoppers to “buy a share” in a farm ahead of the growing season so the farmers could buy or repair equipment, purchase seeds and compost and hire laborers. In exchange for the upfront payment, CSA members receive a box of produce each week of the growing season.
The upfront fee worked out to be about $35 per week of the growing season, and I was already spending that at the market each week. Plus, I could invest in a young farmer who aligned with my values, who wanted to make an impact in our community. I wanted to be a part of that, so I decided to join.
The CSA pick-ups were in town, on the farm and at other CSA member’s households. Every week, I looked forward to meeting other members of the local food community. We geeked out over ways to use kohlrabi and how to get through a whole pound of spinach with smoothies and soups. We connected over food in a way that only that farm share could have fostered.
Hooch had a love of local food from a young age!This connection with a farmer ended up leading me down the path I’m now on. I began volunteering on the farm’s harvest days and Justin became a founding member of a new farmers market that I opened and managed for two years, increasing food access in urban Atlanta. That simple investment seriously paid dividends, don’t you think?
Even now, every where that I’ve ever lived, I’ve joined a CSA. It’s been the fastest way I’ve found to connect with the local food community, to find like-minded folks who care about their health, the environment and our city. CSAs give me so much more than food, things I never could have expected, and one I hope all of you will seek out for yourselves if you have the access.
We’re returning members of Fiddlers Green Farm’s CSA. While their shares are sold out, here’s a list of others that I highly recommend you check out. For a CSA near you anywhere you live, check out LocalHarvest.Org:
Dry Creek Growers (a collab between Whistlepig Farm + Black Fox Farm)
Remember, these CSA shares let farmers start their season with some income, so don’t delay. CSA shares often sell out before the season even begins. Please let me know if you have any questions on CSAs, or check out the highlight on my Instagram called “CSA Day” to see what I’ve had in past CSA boxes.