What was once just a noble idea now has real possibilities for Colorado families! Crop sharing is becoming a legitimate source of fruits, vegetables, herbs and even flowers. To oversimplify, you pay a flat fee upfront for a regular delivery of the produce of your choice. Some farms, like Grant Family Farms, can provide other items such as eggs and bread. If you have not heard of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), now is a great time to find out!
Now when I say "the produce of your choice" I just mean that you may choose to have just vegetables delivered, but you never quite know exactly what you are going to get (lots of potatoes one week, more squash the next, and so on). Although you can still purchase shares now (click here to shop), there is a discount for purchasing earlier in the year. Be warned that once you start looking, you may not want to shop at the grocery store again! Delivery begins in June and some produce continues to be available through December. Take a look at their calendars for a better idea of selection.
Other CSA's in Colorado include:
Now when I say "the produce of your choice" I just mean that you may choose to have just vegetables delivered, but you never quite know exactly what you are going to get (lots of potatoes one week, more squash the next, and so on). Although you can still purchase shares now (click here to shop), there is a discount for purchasing earlier in the year. Be warned that once you start looking, you may not want to shop at the grocery store again! Delivery begins in June and some produce continues to be available through December. Take a look at their calendars for a better idea of selection.
Other CSA's in Colorado include:
- Pachamama (pick-up only)
- Farm Yard CSA
- Venetucci Farms
- or find a more complete listing of CSA's HERE
Jenna, I have heard of this. Have you ever done it? Do you know how affordable it is or is not? I would love to be able to do it if it can be budget friendly.
ReplyDeletewe did farmyard csa last year and are doing it again this year. it's a little different than others as they use local yards to grow the produce. you are also asked to help out a little-help plant, help harvest, distribute, etc. but we loved it because we got to know the people better this way. i think the produce ends up being on average around $2.50 a pound for organic veggies. this year they are also teaming with a fruit grower to provide fruit in the later summer months.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the link to my list of Colorado CSAs. It's amazing how many options there are (and I'm trying to add one each day).
ReplyDeleteI did a comparison of my CSA share (from Cure Organic Farm, in Boulder) and the same veggies from farmers market once, and the CSA was definitely cheaper.
I think a great project would be to go through an entire season of CSA produce and do a real cost comparison with both organic produce from a store like Whole Foods and more conventional produce from King Soopers or Safeway. If I only had the time...