What is a CSA, why you should join, during this Covid 19 crisis

In these uncertain times, people want to know they will have food on the table, where it is coming from and that they are doing as much as they can to keep their family healthy.

CSA stands for "Community Supported Agriculture"
Members purchase a "crop share" during the winter and early spring before the season begins directly from a local farm . Then, throughout the growing season, share members come weekly to pick up their already-paid-for shares of just-harvested fresh organic vegetables at a predetermined location close to their homes. Shareholders financially support the farmer in advance to grow fresh organic vegetables for them in the upcoming growing season. There are no wholesalers or distributors involved in the process. 100% of their food dollars goes to the person who is growing it. It is a farm share. A local CSA offers a certain number of "shares" to CSA members.

WHY JOIN A CSA?
There are many reasons to join a CSA and buy a share in a farm's harvest. Some people participate for amazingly fresh food, others enjoy the connection to local farmers. Others want to support their local food system and are looking for a simple one-stop way to do so. Many families have taken the pledge to do whatever they can to ensure their families stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic. It takes the stress out of the shopping process, as there are no lines, no out of stock situations It gives people a sense of control, knowing that there will be enough food for their family to enjoy.

HOW IT BENEFITS THE ENVIRONMENT AND FUTURE GENERATIONS:
Less CO2 emissions from the energy required to transport and refrigerate produce across long distances. No groundwater pollution from pesticides and fertilizers, which ensures better drinking water for us and future generations. The content of each week's share truly follows the seasons, as everything is grown from seed to seedling, tended, and then harvested on the premises. Most CSA farms either carry the "naturally grown" or “organic" label, which are fairly similar in their implication – no pesticides or chemical fertilizers, plus sustainable farming practices. In other words, vegetables, you can feel good about eating.
Organic Local CSA produce contains fewer pesticides. Chemicals such as fungicides, herbicides, and insecticides are widely used in conventional agriculture, and residues remain on (and in) the food we eat. Organic food is often fresher because it doesn't contain preservatives.
The vegetables are more vibrant looking than what you would find in a supermarket, spent less time in a truck being transported across the country, better tasting, fresher, higher quality and more nutritious. Essentially a better buy for your pocketbook.

CSA's are good for your health, community and environment.

Check out CSA's in your area at https://www.yourlocalcsa.com or contact your local Monmouth County CSA at Mylocalcsa@gmail.com for pick up locations in Red Bank, Spring Lake, Red Bank, Freehold, Brick, and Matawan.