Have you signed up for your CSA yet?

What is a CSA?

"CSA" stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is exactly as it sounds–local agriculture that is directly supported by the community. Instead of going to the grocery store and filling up your cart with produce, you get it in a box delivered right from a local farm.

How does a CSA work?

A CSA is your "share" in a local farm. You pay for the duration and frequency of the share you want and you pick up a box of fresh produce from a designated location, delivered there by the farm.

What's in a box?

Farmers plant a variety of produce and each box is different for each CSA year to year. Typically, the harvest includes traditional foods like asparagus, radishes, beets, cabbage, spinach, squash, berries, apples, tomatoes, beans, peppers, potatoes, zucchini, onions, cilantro, basil, garlic and various herbs and leafy greens. But it will also include new things to try: chard, ground cherries, tomatillos and more!

One box generally feeds a family of two vegetarians or up to six meat-eaters.

Why should I join a CSA?

Purchasing your food from a local farm supports local business. Fresh-from-the-farm foods taste better, last longer and are better for the environment than foods that have traveled many miles (and hours) to get to your plate. CSAs are also a great way to try new foods, incorporate more vegetables into your diet and learn about agriculture. First time CSA-er? Never fear; many CSAs include a newsletter with tips, tricks and recipes for preparing meals incorporating the contents of each share.

If you are a Gundersen employee, Old Oak Family Farm and Small Family Farm have pick-up locations at the La Crosse and Onalaska Clinics.

Where can I find more information?

Visit localharvest.org/csa for more information about all the local CSAs, including Old Oak Family Farm and Small Family Farm. Their contact information, sign-up sheets and instructions are all listed and further questions can be sent directly to them.