 By Claire Sinovic
While the winter months are a time for rest and rejuvenation on the farm, they’re also when many farmers begin to plan for the next growing season. Be part of their planning process for 2025 by participating in a CSA! What is a CSA? Community Supported Agriculture (CSA for short), is a partnership between the consumer (you) and the person growing or raising your food. Similar to a subscription service, you pay the farmer upfront and in return, you’ll receive an assortment of fresh, local food items throughout the season, generally on a weekly basis. This model is great, because it benefits both farmer and consumer. Farmers get assured income to start their season and you’ll get access to a bounty of delicious local food all season long, including new and exciting items mixed in with your go-to favorites. CSAs also provide the perfect opportunity to build a relationship with the people who grow your food, see where your food comes from and to taste the freshest food our region has to offer. A few things to consider: Share Size & Price – How big is a share? Will it feed your household? What’s the total cost for the season? TIP: Some CSAs offer a “big box” and “small box” – talk with the farmer about what a typical share looks like. One of the great benefits of knowing the folks who grow your food, is that they can tell you all about it! Pickup/Delivery Time & Location – Where and when do you pick up your share? Does pickup work with your schedule? Is there a delivery or drop off spot option available? Season Length & Contents – How many weeks does your CSA run? What’s included? Are there any value-added items like breads, jams, or ferments? Ready to join a KC Food Circle CSA? Step 1: Check out all the wonderful KC Food Circle members offering CSAs this year. Step 2: Contact the KC Food Circle Member Farmer who offers the CSA program that best fits your needs. Ask about payment, pickup date/time/location, and CSA contents. Step 3: Pick up your share and enjoy amazing local food! Looking for other ways to find local food? Check out our KC Food Circle Directory and Eat Local KC Map to discover restaurants, grocery stores, farmers markets (check out our post with local holiday markets here), growers, and community partners offering locally-sourced food and more! Claire Sinovic is a local food systems expert, garden educator, and former nutrition coach who helps farmers build thriving businesses and teaches kids and families about the value of urban agriculture and buying locally-grown foods. She oversees the KC Food Circle membership program which includes the KC Food Circle member directory, the Eat Local & Organic Expo and the Eat Local KC Map. Comments are closed.
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