Community Sponsored Agriculture (CSAs):Produce Subscriptions from the Markets
What is a CSA?
Community Sponsored Agriculture or CSAs are basically subscription services that you can sign up for with your local farmers.
How does it work?
You pay upfront for your produce so that farmers can get a boost at the beginning of the season to buy supplies, feed, and seeds.
Then every week, you will get a box full of fresh produce from whatever farm you’re subscribed to. Most farms have a list of items they offer and grow/raise so you will have an idea of what each box will look like. The contents of the box will change as the seasons change so it gives you a chance to try different types of fruits and veggies and be creative in the kitchen.
Which farmers at the market offer it?
Viva Farms - they offer several subscriptions from multiple farms combined.
Growing Washington CSA - includes Alm Hills and Alvarez & more
Collins Family Orchards - have a delivery option
Do they do delivery?
This depends on the farm. Some will require you to either drive to the market or farm to collect your weekly goods. Others have the capacity for delivery. You will have to inquire which services each individual farmer can provide.
Anything else I should know?
Not all farms have the capacity to offer this service, but still have great produce available in person at the markets. So remember, you can support a lot of farmers just by dropping by the markets to do your weekly grocery gathering.
