Average Jane Supports Local Farmers

This year I've decided that I'm going to pay up front for the majority of my spring and summer meals by joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. I'm getting a half share of veggies from Fair Share Farm and a bi-weekly share of meat from Parker Farms. I decided to forego getting an egg share because I already buy free-range eggs from a local farm at the grocery store, and I also have an aunt who raises chickens and gives me fresh eggs on occasion. I'm skipping the honey share, too, because how much honey can two people eat?

I'm looking forward to stretching my cooking creativity, particularly when it comes to the vegetables. It's easy for me to get into a rut and only buy onions, bell peppers, carrots, celery, lettuce and green beans. New veggies will make me cook new dishes.

I particularly love the idea of the locally-raised meat, although one of the included meats is lamb, which I don't really like. I may just plan on giving all of my lamb to my dad and step-mother, unless I manage to develop a taste for it.

The challenge will be to use everything up or figure out a way to freeze it safely. We don't eat at home as often as we should and I hope that having more fresh ingredients on hand will counter that.

Another fun part of the whole CSA concept is that you go to the farm and work a few shifts throughout the growing season. I seriously doubt I'll be able to get my husband to go work in a field with me, so I'm sure to end up going by myself. Maybe my niece might enjoy going with me once, just to get a taste of the whole farm experience.

I'm looking forward to seeing how my CSA products influence our eating habits. I'll be sure to report on how it goes.

Comments

[A Librarian]

Good for you! I have been thinking a lot about doing this but am worried that it will be way too much food for one person (not to mention the fact that 70% of my meals are brown bag). I am afraid I would end up wasting more food than I used.

[meesha.v]

I participated in one few years ago and quit (even losing my deposit). The selection was mostly lettuce and other greens and while we eat tons of produce, I really didn't need 4 kinds of lettuce and some edible grass. The items that I liked were limited or in small amounts like garlic,young potatoes,etc. I also felt it was grossly overpriced and I wasn't getting my money's worth even considering it being organic. If you didn't show up early, selection was greatly diminished. I didn't have to work on the farm though. Hope you like yours better. I found that I can get my fill at various farmers' markets for less and with less hassle.

[Dan]

I've long wanted to do this, just to bust me out of my self-imposed ruts. I hope you'll post and let us know how you like it.

[Keith]

I'll take that lamb if you like...

[cagey]

If you need someone to work your share with you, let me know. I would volunteer and would love to see what Rebecca and Tom are up to. They were really cool. Manoj was a big baby about the whole "working the share" part. Bah. :-)

[Zandria]

I think it's so awesome that you're involved in that. :)