Each week, Groundswell Community Farm CSA provides a list of expected vegetables and estimated value to its members. This week’s was:
Kale OR Chard
Brussels’ Sprouts OR Cabbage
Radishes
Leeks OR Celery
Beet Roots
Potatoes
Peppers
Tomatoes
Garlic
Onion
Broccoli OR Beans OR Greens
1 Spaghetti Squash
Lots of winter squash seconds (eat these now, they won’t store as long)
Value = ~$32.50
I’m not sure when they started doing this. I’m pretty sure it was within the past couple of years. I noticed that it tends to be around $30 a week. A share works out to be about $25 a week. That seems like a pretty good deal, but I’ve found that the non-monetary benefits of being part of the CSA are priceless.
- Convenience. While I love the farmer’s market, I work full time during the week and on Saturdays I have long runs. So it is super convenient to be able to pick up all my vegetables in one stop after work.
- Eat more vegetables. I’ve noticed that when I have vegetables in the refrigerator, I tend to use them. I reach for them when cooking and snacking. If I had to plan ahead and buy them, I probably wouldn’t do it or have the variety that I get from the CSA.
- Eat with the seasons. It is not only fun to see how the vegetables change from June to October, but there are health reasons to eat what’s in season too!
- Connection with the farm. Each week the newsletter provides behind the scenes information. Even though I don’t get out to visit the farm as much as I’d like, I feel like I’m a part of it.
- Connection to local food systems. Being part of a CSA helps me to be more aware of our local food systems. I know that my financial contribution is very small, but hopefully I’m able to make a small difference and do my best to bring awareness to the work that “our” farmers Tom and Kate are doing to further the education and policies surrounding local food.
So there you have it, 5 non-financial reasons to join a CSA. There’s still time for the rest of the year! Join here.
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