Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). It’s all the rage and worth the money. You can save on a share now, by signing up early.
CSA is a marketing method where households obtain weekly shares of vegetables via a membership.
There are a few farms in the valley area offering CSA’s; I am most familiar with Cosmic Apple Garden, located in Victor, Idaho, as I have been a subscriber for several seasons. Through this membership, subscribers are able to enjoy seasonal organic veggies from approximately June through September, and on bountiful years, even more!
I am writing this post NOW, because you only have a few more weeks to subscribe at the lowest rates – If postmarked between January 1st-February 29th, a Full Share costs $505 and a Half Share costs $335
If payment is mailed after March 1st, a Full Share costs $555 and a Half Share costs $385. A full share provides weekly vegetables for 2 to 4 people living in one household. A half share is generally enough for 1-2. Cosmic Apple even has a payment plan at the reduced rates, for those who want to spread out their payments. A limited number of memberships are offered, so reserve yours early here.
To save even more money on your CSA, come help weed the garden and get a $10 voucher for every hour weeded.
The share contains 5-15 different items, which vary with the season. For the past 2 years, I have added a 460° Bread and Baguette Share along with a Mushroom Share – and I generally purchase some Cosmic Apple organic meat and/or cheese at the pick-up site. Voila! I have a complete meal ready to prepare, without the hassle of making a shopping list and going to the grocery store. And honestly, I end up saving much more money throughout these months by making fewer trips to the store, where I am tempted to buy unnecessary items. I also eat much healthier and creative meals.
Some of the benefits of a CSA are: eating ultra-fresh food with all the flavor and vitamin benefits, getting exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking, developing a relationship with the farmer who grows your food and learning more about the food you are eating. If you choose to receive the CA weekly email, you get different and delicious recipes for this week’s share – comes in handy when you receive several pounds of daikon in a share!
Buy now. Save a lot.
