Community Supported Agriculture 

A CSA which stands for Community Supported Agriculture, is a fundamentally different way of buying produce directly from a local farmer. Customers buy “shares” or memberships into a set time frame, typically weekly or bi-weekly. Then a box of locally grown, veggies, fruits, meats, cheese, eggs, herbs, flowers, bake goods etc (whatever the arrangement is for that particular farm) is provided at a set date for customer pick up. Sometimes farms deliver, or allow multiple places for weekly pick ups or will take shares to distribute at the farmer’s markets. 

These funds collected upfront for a weekly share are an investment in the farm. Farmers will use the capitol to purchase seed, equipment, labor, livestock and other essential needs. Yes, there are risks that are involved in a CSA. Weather, and the unforeseen. That is part of a CSA. 

Some CSAs will require a work period from their members. A set amount of hours to volunteer and gain skills which often evolve into their own gardens! 

A few reasons to try a CSA: 

1) Saves you money. You will spend less and cut the middle man by purchasing directly from a local farmer. 

2) You can try new things. You may experiment with a food you’ve never had! Some CSAs will include a recipe card or plan the box around a specific meal.

3) You eat veggies/fruit in season which also means you are consuming healthier foods!

4) You can get your hands dirty and help grow your foods!

5) You are supporting your community. 

6) You know exactly where your food comes from! Shake your farmers hand! 

CSAs will typically start a summer membership enrollments in February. Many of your farmers at the local farmers markets participate in CSAs. Take the time to ask them about the process, or refer you. You can always google “local CSA” or check out Local Harvest and can be connected to many in your area.

Mandy Palmer is owner and operator of Barefoot Hippie Homestead, a farm in Lebanon, Ohio. Together with her husband, Rusty, and 6 beautiful girls, she runs the farm and offers a Community Supported Agriculture program. Mandy also has many other herbal and beeswax crafts for sale from her website. Check them out at: https://www.barefoothippiehomesteading.com/