The CSA has risen!

No, it’s not the Confederate States of America but Community Supported Agriculture. We here a lot of talk about supporting local businesses to help lower our carbon footprint and we just discovered a fresh way to do that. We joined a local CSA, Crooked Sky Farms, located in Glendale, AZ and meet them once a week to pick up our locally grown, organic produce. CSA’s are beginning to “crop” up all over the US and Canada and provide fresh fruits and vegetables to their members who join and are part of an emerging trend of consumers who want to eat healthier and infuse $$ back in to the local economy. It’s a simple process and one we are excited to be part of. We picked up our first load last week of Anahiem peppers, sweet potatoes, melons, spinach and basil. The produce you get will depend on the area in which you live, the time of year and the type of crops that are native to your area but what’s the same is they are fresh, locally grown and delicious!

In addition to the benefit of eating healthier fruits and vegetables, CSA’s also provide educational opportunities with apprenticeship programs, “pick your own” produce options and tours for schools to teach kids about farming, organic growing methods and ideas on how to start your own garden. Many also provide newsletters with recipes, crop reports and social events throughout the year.

To find one in your area, check our sources like Local Harvest, NewFarm Farm Locator or Local Food Directories and I’ll be there is one near you.