CSA

My husband and I join a local, organic CSA every year.  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  We have been long time supporters of local farmers and their products.  We believe that in order for a community to thrive, supporting your local businesses is imperative.  So every year, we do what we can in order to put that belief into practice, joining a CSA was is a great way to start.

The initial cost of the CSA can seem somewhat prohibitive to a family that is trying to be frugal. This year the cost of 26 weeks was $615.00.  At first glance, one might gasp at this number, until you do the math.  After calculating the math, the cost is $23.65 a week for fresh, local and organic produce.  While the first few weeks of the season, the box is a little light, that quickly changes. For the bulk of the summer, we are getting far more in produce than what we would get at a grocery store for $23.65.  By season's end, we realize that we have saved a lot of money over the course of the spring, summer and fall, truly remaining frugal.

This week our box included asparagus, romaine lettuce, bok choy, radishes, salad turnips, spinach and chives.  Of course, that will not be enough vegetables for the week, we will have to supplement with a few from the grocery store.  But at the height of the season, our box will be overflowing with a bounty of vegetables that will easily get this family of five through the week, without the need for any extra vegetables from the store.  Joining the CSA has also forced all of us to try vegetables that we would normally not try if they were not given to us.  For example, kale.  Never, in a million years would a purposely buy that.  But, when we get it a few times during the season, I do prepare a meal with it.  I have to be honest though, that is one vegetable none of us like.  I have found that it is best chopped finely and added to pasta sauce.  By adding it to a sauce, I am able to serve it to the family without wasting it.  Better yet, we don't have to taste it.  

As summer quickly approaches, we are looking forward to what is in store for us with our CSA. Strawberries, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, melons, etc.  The list goes on and on.