So you’re interested in a CSA? #CSAWeek

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Happy #CSAWeek!

So you’re interested in a CSA? 

We’ve rounded up all the CSA details we could find! 

>>This post details the components of a CSA. If you already know the drill, skip to our rundown of all the local CSAs in this recent post.<<

What is a CSA? It stands for Community Supported Agriculture. A CSA farmer sells subscriptions or memberships to their CSA program. Members receive a share of produce, generally once per week, for typically 12-24 weeks.

Did you know the CSA model is rooted in Black History? Mother Earth News has a great article that chronicles U.S. Community Supported Agriculture's start in Alabama in the 1960s where Booker T. Whatley developed a direct marketing plan for his farm called a clientele membership club. The club solidified his customer base, allowed for reliable crop planning and cut out the middle man, making it possible for his farm to offer produce directly to customers, mostly to folks in a nearby city. 

We love CSAs because they enhance our connection to our food source and helps us eat a well-rounded seasonal diet. We have TONS of options in WNY and since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, subscriptions are definitely on the rise. You can subscribe to virtually anything in 2021, but nothing beats a fresh box of local veggies straight from the farmer themselves. 

CSA shares are limited -- so do your research but remember to sign up soon to reserve your spot. Whether you are a long time CSA member, or joining for the first time, we encourage you to learn more about CSAs before choosing your forever farm. But first, we offer a little guidance to help you narrow down the pool of awesome options. A good place to start is where or when you want to receive your CSA. 

Distribution

Most CSAs have one day set aside for distribution. Some of the larger CSAs might have two. Here are some of the ways you can get that CSA box in your hands. 

  • Farm Pick Up - Farms that have their CSA pick up at their farm or farm stand tend to have more options that the others. Some will set out bins with signs that read “Pick two from this table” or “choose one large or two small” to offer you a little bit of freedom. Other farms pick ups will include u-pick items or have an open farm stand where you can purchase add-ons like honey, eggs, meat, and flowers. This option offers the greatest connection to your farmer. You get to see the farm and chat with farmers each week.
  • Drop Site Pick Up - Many farms utilize drop sites to help with distribution. We do this at the MAP Farmhouse! Farms drop their boxes off at a central location - school, church or community center, and members stop by during the allotted pick up time to get their share.
  • Community Pick Up - Some CSAs rely on members to help with distribution. Members will take turns driving to the farm to get a number of shares for their neighborhood. Then that member hosts the pick up at their home or a central location. This option is fun because you get to see the farm a couple of times per season.
  • Home Delivery - Especially since the COVID-19 pandemic hit, this option is on the rise. Farmers may have delivery available as part of their share cost or for an additional fee. This is a great option for those who don’t drive, anyone who is super busy, and those of us who are less mobile. Some shares even include coolers or cooler bags for porch storage.
  • Business Delivery - Thinking of getting your whole office on board? Ask your farmer before you send everyone to a far away drop site. Your CSA might be willing to make a special drop for 5+ members, right to your office, community center or even your gym.

Variety

Variety will vary depending on the season, but each farm should be able to tell you what staples they are planning on. Most of the websites have pictures of an average share and lists of crops they intend to grow. The variety of fresh produce in your CSA box might inspire you to cook new things! Most farms will offer a weekly email or newsletter filled with simple recipes you can follow. Farmers are very generous with information about their work so you’ll find yourself learning a lot when you ask questions.

Size

CSAs come in many sizes. Make time to look at all the options and splitting larger shares with neighbors and friends. Each CSA farmer has a pretty good idea of how many people their CSA will feed. They will even know how to consider those new to veggie eating!
  • Standard Shares usually feed a family of four or 2-3 strictly veggie eaters.
  • Bi-weekly or monthly options are great for those worried about waste or hoping to plan around summer vacations.
  • Share Add-Ons typically provide enough fruit, eggs or protein for the same number of people as the veggie component intends to feed.

Price & Payment

Price and payment arrangements can vary depending on share size. Farmers benefit from your cash infusion now to help them buy seeds and potting soil to get things started but you benefit when you receive your boxes. Remember to carefully consider your budget when choosing a share. You will need to make larger payments at the beginning if the year but you won't be spending nearly as much all summer. 

  • Installments can be paid to farmers. Most CSAs already have a payment arrangement spelled out in their contract. Some farms may accept payment arrangements outside of those listed on their website, so do not hesitate to ask.
  • Farmers accept cash, check, and in most cases credit card
  • SNAP users can find CSAs in WNY that accept EBT. These options may be a little more limited but they definitely exist. 
  • Work shares are reserved for those who pledge to give time to the farmer when they need it most. Typically workers set aside a few hours a day or each month to help wash produce, pack boxes, or assist with distribution. The time you give has value! Your contribution may be worth a discount on your share or in some cases, a whole season of boxes. Check with your farm to see if work shares are available.

Perks of CSAs

  • Recipes and inspiration
    are a part of every CSA. Whether you chat a moment with your farmer for tips or read their weekly email, you're going to learn a thing or two. Hopefully your CSA share inspires you to try a new cooking technique or enhance your diet.
  • Choice of greens, squash, or root veggies may be a part of your share. Farm pick ups tend to have more options that drop sites. 
  • U-Pick may be available weekly or occasionally when produce is abundant. This may include berries, tomatoes, beans or even flowers
  • Bulk pricing on larger quantities of produce during peak season may be possible. All you have to do is ask ahead of time! Remember to consider pricing, harvest and delivery times, and shelf life before you buy in bulk.
  • Compost drop off may be accommodated on share pick up day. Be sure to ask what you are allowed to include as many places don’t want citrus peels or conventional produce scraps in their compost piles.
  • Fall-time celebrations will be in order and each farm celebrates differently. A potluck dinner, recipe swap, or pumpkin harvest might be part of your CSA. Don't miss out on those perks! They often include taking home additional produce and you'll definitely meet new friends. 

Sip & CSA Day

Today's post was made in lieu of MAPs annual Sip & CSA Day farmer meet & greet event. Each year, we try to do something fun for #CSADay (now #CSAWeek) that supports y'all making awesome local food choices. We will miss seeing you all at our Farmhouse this winter but hope you will visit for our socially distanced Market at the Farmhouse, opening soon, or a MAP Mobile Market location this summer.

Check out images from the 2020 Sip & CSA Day event here. 

More Support

  • Check out our post, Know Your Farmer, that launches tomorrow for a rundown of WNY CSAs.
  • Join Find Your Farmer in WNY on Facebook to ask questions and read posts from local farms.
  • Search #CSAWeek on social media to read posts from farms across the U.S.
  • Pencil in the 2022 Sip & CSA Day event, held annually during #CSAWeek.

References

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