Despite the fact that I was sledding on icy roads and stomping through new snow just a few days ago, Spring is on it’s way! If you’re enjoying sweet flowers and flip flops…we’re happy for you and don’t rub it in! 
Either way, it’s time to start dreaming about fresh produce. Berries, lettuce, tomatoes, onions! But what about kohlrabi, Asian eggplant, savory and bok choy? If you aren’t sure what some of those are, you’re a great candidate for a CSA (community supported agriculture)! CSAs are small, local farms that sell shares of produce that is usually picked up at the farm or a farmer’s market each week for 15-20 weeks. You’ll get expected staples like lettuce and tomatoes, but you’ll also get new foods and varieties that never show up in the grocery store which is how our family first experienced everything on that second list. It’s also where our kids first made friends with chickens, realized carrots don’t grow in a bag in the grocery store and played with the farmer who grew their dinner. It’s an adventure!
So, how do you get involved?
First step is to find out what’s available in your area. Check your local paper, do a google search or use this site to find a farm near by: https://www.localharvest.org/csa/
If you have a couple options around you, compare price and pick up options. How many weeks are shares offered? If you’re feeding a smaller family maybe you only need ½ a share…check to see if your CSA offers that option (many do). Is the pick-up location convenient?
No CSA close by? Then you probably do have a farmer’s market where you can have access to much of the same produce. The same 3 resources from #1 will help you find your closest market.
Part of the fun of CSA is trying out new foods and finding ways to work more produce into your regular meals. If that sounds a bit intimidating there are some awesome websites with creative ideas to try:
