What is Common Roots' CSA Access Program?
CSA Access offers a share of fresh, local produce and meat to local families in need for 20 weeks during the 2012 growing season. These families are selected by social workers. This program is made possible by the Lattner Family Foundation.
What is a CSA and how does it work?
CSA stands for Community-Supported Agriculture. It works like this: Local farmers offer "shares" to the public, who purchase these shares in exchange for farm produce (like tomatoes) or farm products (like cheese) when they are ready for consumption. When you become a CSA member, you pick up a box, bag, or basket of seasonal produce and other items each week throughout the farming season. A typical weekly share consists of a box of farm grown vegetables, fresh bread, eggs, and meat options. All of our farm partners offer CSA shares.
Why join a CSA?
There are lots of good reasons for joining a local CSA. Here are three:
- Health: Eat local and organic
Food that travels fewer miles and days between harvest and consumption has a higher nutritional value. Vegetables are fresh, certified organic, and completely pesticide free!
- Support local farms and economy
CSAs keep our dollars local and give community support to farmers. By sharing the risk and the harvest, members help keep farms in production and support farming as a viable family business.
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Educating families about the values of fresh, local foods.
Families who participate in CSA shares find themselves expanding their palates with fresh foods on family plates. When parents choose to support a CSA, they model healthy eating and lifestyle choices for their children.