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This summer was our first as members of a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). We joined after reading the book Plenty by Alisa Smith and J.B. McKinnon. It was an eye opening book that stressed the importance of eating local food and encouraged readers to eat food that is produced within 100 miles of his/her home. Joining a CSA has been one of the best decisions our family has made.
Our CSA is located approximately 50 miles from where we live. The farmers bring food bags to the local library for pick up once a week. We as a family of four started with a couples share to see if we used the produce we were given.
To our delight it has been one of the best investments our family has ever made. There is no question we will increase our share next year. Some members are dismayed at the start of the season due to the "bags being light". At the beginning of the season the produce is light. When you reach the "middle" of the season the bags are so full they are overflowing.
Involvement in the CSA benefits the farmer, the environment and the members. The farmer receives three payments often ahead of season to help with expenses. Environmentally speaking the produce could only be fresher and travel less if you grew it in your backyard. The members get the benefit of a season of fresh fruits and vegetables. Belonging to a CSA is a win/win/win situation.
As members of the CSA we have improved our diet, tried foods we have never tried and met some really great people. Being involved in the CSA has inspired to supplement even more with food from another local farmer. We are experimenting with freezing fruits and vegetables for winter. It will comforting knowing the food we are eating during the winter is also local.
The kids love the trip to pick up the weekly bag of produce. We try to guess what will be in the bag and continue to be surprised. They are learning where their food comes from. It is much different than walking around a grocery to shop for your food. Check out the web site www.100milediet.org for more information a eating locally.
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