CSA: Community Supported Agriculture

Eat Right Knox will have a guest blogger for the next 25 weeks! In addition to the usual nutrition and health-related posts, Jennifer will be blogging about her experience with her first ever CSA share. Expect pictures, recipes, and general information about local agriculture and seasonal produce.

[source]

Don't know what CSA is? Read on for more information!

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Basically, local consumers support their local farmers by purchasing shares of the next season's harvest.

CSA Basics:

• A farmer offers a certain number of shares to the public
• A share is usually a box of produce but other products may be included
• Consumers purchase a share and receive a weekly box of seasonal produce during the farming season

Benefits for the Farmer:

• Marketing for the food they grow
• Receive payment early in the season, helping with cash flow
• Provides an opportunity to get to know people who eat the food they grow

Benefits for the Public:

• Weekly access to super fresh, nutritious food
• Exposure to new vegetables and new ways of cooking/recipes
• Develop a relationship with your very own farmer so you know who grows your food and how!

I will be sharing with you what comes in my box each week and the recipes I try. Check back soon to see this week's share!

Eat Right Knox Guest Blogger
Jennifer Nicklas, MS-MPH, RD, LDN

Sources:
Local Harvest: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
Colvin Family Farm: http://www.colvinfamilyfarm.com/Our_CSA.html
Pick Tennessee Products: http://www.picktnproducts.org/