The warming weather brings with it cravings of sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp green beans, and juicy strawberries….
While grocery stores do bring in in-season produce, nothing beats a fruit or vegetable picked directly from the garden. We’re very fortunate to be able to share in the bounty from my parents’ garden since we’re unable to plant our own this year. Even so, we decided to also join a CSA.
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Basically, it’s where you have a share in the produce from a local farm. You pay a specified amount up front at the beginning of the season to help off-set the cost of running the farm and growing the vegetables, then you receive a portion of the produce each week. Not only does this allow you to have a steady stream of fresh veggies coming into your home, it also helps support the local farms in your area.
Our Previous Experience
In 2016, I decided to try a CSA for the first time. When a friend asked me about the Pros and Cons of joining a CSA, this is what I had to say:
Cons: You have to pay up front. You have to actually use the veggies you receive – my family doesn’t use a ton of lettuce, so some of that ended up going to waste
Pros: You get an abundance of fresh veggies and sometimes fruit all summer! Our CSA also throws in some extra goodies every so often. We’ve gotten bread, jelly, and local honey. (I would also add that you get to meet the local farmer. These people have a wealth of knowledge which they are always happy to share!)
My biggest frustration was that we did let a good amount of food go to waste. I was trying to savor what we received and not use all of it at once, and there were some things that I didn’t know how to use in a way that everyone would like. Sometimes it takes a commitment to be willing to try new things, or familiar things in new ways.
Trying It Again
After that first attempt, I was a bit discouraged from joining a CSA again, and didn’t do so for the next two years. However, an email went around the homeschool group talking about a local CSA, and I decided to try it once more.
This time, however, I decided to only join with a 1/2 share which they specified was for 2-4 people. Knowing that we will also be getting produce from my parents, I don’t want to be overwhelmed again with more than we can handle. However, I feel like I’m more mentally prepared for what to expect this time around, and am looking forward to all of the succulent veggies coming our way this year!
Where do you get your summer veggies from?
Did you like this post? Please don’t forget to pin it!
Leave a Reply