Hello everyone!  I have decided to share the lessons I have learned during my times volunteering at a local farm.  If anyone of you live near a CSA (Community-Assisted Agriculture) farm I strongly recommend that you volunteer there.  I have started to do so recently and it has been the most rewarding experience I have ever had.

 

            CSA works by having a person make a down payment, and then possibly two later payments, and in return he receive fresh produce weekly; once the harvesting season begins there will be a designated day for weekly pick up.  Whatever the harvest is for that week, be it large or small, the crops harvested are spilt amongst the individuals who made a down payment.

 

            What benefits does CSA provide?  For starters, anyone involved in CSA would be directly supporting local farms.  With over two million farms in the US, 80% of which are family owned, the need to support locally grown food is in high demand.  By paying to support local farms one is making a statement that says: “Even through tough harvests I support locally grown food.”  By making a down payment one is putting a farmer’s mind at ease knowing that even if there is a bad harvest one year his financial needs will be met, even if just partially.

 

            Some CSA farms charge just $600, enough for 2 adults and 2 children, for a share of a year long’s harvest.  In return, members could receive upwards of $850 worth of fresh produce, but best of all members can feel proud that they are supporting locally grown food and have peace of mind in knowing from where their food is coming.

 

            While I do not support financially a CSA farm I do volunteer at one.  I was hesitant from even going to one at first, but after doing so once with a large group of students I realized volunteering at a farm is something I love doing and want to continue to do for as long as I am able.  In fact, since my first day volunteering at the farm I have been able to volunteer there weekly.

 

            So, the next time you are at the grocery store looking through produce I want you to question where the food you are about to buy is coming from and realize that there may be a farm just down the street.  Nothing beats having fresh fruits and vegetables!