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CSA is the abbreveiation for Community Supported Agriculture. A farm that supports a CSA program sells a seasonal subscription where consumers get a regular weekly delivery of produce or products from a farm. This is normally a weekly box order throughout the annual growing season. This works very well for consumers and families that have a requirement for a weekly box of fresh produce. Generally, custmers pick up their weekly CSA box at the farm or at a prearranged delivery point. A great benefit is that the produce changes as the season progresses and its a tool for learning how to cook seasonally using what is freshest and currently available in season. However, for some consumers it can be an overwhelming amount of produce to process and consume each week. At other times, the box may contain a surplus amount of one type of produce. It all depends on what has done well in the current growing conditions. You can also ask your CSA provider if your subsciption can be tailored to perhaps a delivery every other week for smaller families. CSA subscriptions are generally paid in advance. Please consult the list of local farms to see if one close to you might offer a CSA program and if their program would meet your requirements. Just ask them for a list of what they plan to grow for the CSA program for the upcoming season.
For consumer that do not want to commit to a weekly CSA delivery or pay in advance for a season long CSA subscription program, there is another alternative. Consumers can arrange directly with a farm to have a boxed order delivered to the weekly farmers market for pickup at the market. So it is like a CSA program only the box is a custom order and delivered only when you specify it. To accomplish this you must contact the farm directly to find out what is available that week and if a box order is possible. Cost for the box is generally $25-$50 depending on what is available and what quantities are available. You simply come to the farmers market to pick up your prearranged order. If this approach suits your needs, instead of a season long CSA program, juts contact the farm to set it up. This works best with a farm that grows a wide range and variety of products.