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.

WHAT IS A CSA?

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 DO THEY 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 Howell, Spring Lake, Red Bank, Freehold, Brick, and Matawan.