Locally Grown: The Farmer and the Dale

I mentioned a few posts back that I was going to start a little side project here and research some local food choices we have available to us in the central San Joaquin Valley.  Basically, I am becoming more and more aware of the foods we are eating and aiming to eat as much locally grown food as possible.  Through my research, I have found it to be harder to piece together information than you might think.  It is frustrating given that we live in an agricultural hot spot.  That being said, I am looking forward to what I might find in the weeks and months ahead, especially as summer approaches!

A few years ago, I was introduced to the term CSA...

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It allows people to skip the numerous middle men and buy directly from the famer. It’s like a farmers market that delivers.

I actually signed up to use this particular CSA (The Farmer and the Dale) for the convenience of having produce delivered to my door a few years ago, I honestly didn't think much about the fact that I was supporting a local farmer.  I only used it for a few months back then, but recently renewed my subscription. 

I did research several local CSAs. (There were actually more than you might think!)

• All had locally grown and organic produce. 
• Some allowed you to choose the produce you would be getting.
• Some allowed you to vary your delivery days and times or to only order on demand.
• Most delivered to one 'central' location on a given day and time.  (unfortunately this central location is about a half-hour away for me)
• Some delivered to several spots around town, making them more conveniant.
• One delivers to your door! And, allows you to choose your own produce!

This was last week's box. 

I do love the convenience of this CSA, however I find it a bit more expensive than some of the others available.  I am going to stick with these guys for awhile, and might check out another one in a few months. 

Note:  Traditionally, CSAs were/are a way of paying the farmer ahead of time.  The members of the CSA buy the produce (in some cases) months before the harvest and each week the delivery is more of a 'you-get-what-you-get' situation.  Essentially, it eliminates the need for the farmer to sell their food after harvesting it... and they might have the ability to only harvest what is needed for their CSA deliveries in that week leading to less food wasted.