| Written By: Lee Ann Rush
We've already discussed processed-food behemoths such as Kraft, General Mills, Coca Cola, etal., and the stranglehold they have taken, not only on this nation's food supply, but also on the food choices made by a large portion of the American public. Relentless marketing that promises convenience and great-tasting pre-packaged fare, including billions spent on luring young children into the fast- and processed-food web, have resulted in huge corporate profits along with skyrocketing obesity rates and frightening increases in diseases such as diabetes, heart disease and even gout. As chef Mario Batali of TV's "The Chew" often warns with a smile, "Processed foods will kill you."
One way to buck the agribusiness establishment while simultaneously avoiding genetically-modified foods (GMOs) and cutting back on unhealthy processed foods is by becoming involved with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). For more than 25 years, CSA farms have given consumers the opportunity to purchase fresh, locally-grown foods directly from farmers who offer a fixed number of "shares" in their yield for sale to the public. These shares, or memberships, will entitle the purchaser to a weekly box of produce during the farming season. Some CSAs offer items such as eggs, meat, cheese, baked goods, fruits and flowers, in addition to the traditional vegetables. By purchasing a CSA share, the buyer assumes both the benefits and risks of farming.
There are many obvious benefits: eating just-picked vegetables at their peak of flavor and nutrition, learning about new vegetables and ways to cook and use them, developing a relationship with the farmer and learning how the food is grown, and actually visiting the farm. An added plus, surprising to some parents, is that their kids will often eagerly eat food from the farm, even if they've shunned veggies before. Those parents who have grown a backyard or container garden at home have probably noticed this phenomenon – I distinctly remember my then-two-year-old son grabbing a green bell pepper from my basket as I was picking what was left in our garden one late October, and taking a big bite as though it were an apple! On the flip side, the risks of bad weather, drought, pests or other uncontrollable circumstances may result in a reduced crop for all the shareholders; after all, Mother Nature is truly the one in charge!
Currently, there are more than 3000 CSA farms in the United States, with the largest concentrations located in the eastern part of the country and on the west coast. CSA farms offer varying share programs: some allow the purchase of half-shares; some will trade hands-on farm work for all or a portion of the share price; some will supplement their own produce with products from other local sources; and, as with everything in life, some will do a better job than others. Before buying a CSA share, do your research and make sure you choose the right farm for your needs and lifestyle. Then, enjoy those fresh veggies! |
