Yes, I know the snow is still flying for some of us, but my friends, it is NOT too soon to think “summer CSA”. It’s just the right time, in fact, because many CSAs have already opened up reservations for summer participation.
But first things first!… you know about CSAs, right?
If not, here’s a little bit of explanation: CSAs, or community supported agriculture, are the best way to share in the bounty of the freshest, organic, locally-grown produce and foods. It’s a partnership between farms and community individuals who support the growing and production of food. Members “purchase” a share of the harvest and are usually on a system of weekly delivery or pick-up of fruits and vegetables (and sometimes even dairy, meats and grains).
It’s the perfect scenario… you get fresh and organic foods, support local growers and farms, AND avoid the CO2 emissions created to bring your food from other parts of the country… or world, for that matter!
Last year we participated in a CSA with Fresh Fork Market. If you’re lucky enough to be in Cleveland, take a look because… yes, they’re taking reservations NOW! Last year, during the 22 weeks of summer, our CSA participants sampled over 350 different products from 62 local farmers. At year’s end, Fresh Fork proudly spent over $300K with local farmers! THAT gives me the warm fuzzies! Not only was I serving my family fabulous, organic food but we ALSO helped generously support local farmers and the local economy. Everyone wins in that scenario!
If you aren’t in Cleveland but want to find a CSA in your area check out Local Harvest or Biodynamics to put you in the right direction.
Get on board, sign-up, eat organic and support your farmers… I promise, you won’t regret it!
(These are our strawberries from last year… NO methyl iodide included!) 🙂
Product labels can be tricky… in fact, they can be a bit deceptive.
While I believe that the benefits of organic milk are indisputable, I recently learned that there is yet another side of the story. Do you ever wonder how ethical those organic dairy farms are (in terms of everything from how they treat their milk producing cows, to how they acquire the milk, to their overall business practices)?
Eggs have been getting a lot of bad press these days, and for good reason. Two massive egg farms, Wright County Egg and Hillandale Farm (that house 7.5 million(!) egg producing hens kept in cramped, filthy conditions), are to blame for over 1,500 people contracting salmonella poisoning. I can’t say that I’m surprised.
I’ve never seen research that would either prove or disprove our belief, but I can’t help believing it is true. Not so much with organic grains or more processed foods, but especially with fresh fruits, veggies, meats and dairy.