July 21, 2005
Ode to CSAers
This one's been bouncing around in my head for a while, but I haven't known how to say it without gushing too much. The CSA is awesome.
The first CSAs were started as a way to build community, especially to build connections between farms and people living in urban areas. Since we are in a rural area, I figured that the community building part of the CSA would not be that important to our CSA. Mostly it would be a way to get people super fresh organic veggies. But it has turned into this wonderful community, at least for us.
CSAers are very supportive of the farm, us and say lots of nice things about the veggies, which is always nice to hear. And they are always volunteering help. When our truck broke down, one of our CSA families lent us theirs for ten days so we could get to our markets. Most of the new families in our CSA were recruited by other CSA members, and at least one regular customer specifically came by our farmstand recently on the recommendation of a CSA member. We're bartering for three of our CSA shares - for half a pig, landscaping help, and part of our new washroom. CSAers often get conscripted to watch the stand while I change a diaper, and or even to dance with Waverly at market. CSAers also share the most wonderful veggie recipes and one person in particular does great recipe research for us. Another CSAer gave us an old tub to use for washing veggies (including help moving it into the washroom!).
The CSA has been a way to build community even with people who aren't in the CSA. For example, all the people who donated to the Farm Share Program -- none of them were CSA members, yet they sent donations so someone else could afford to be (thank you!!). And there are a few people who did not sign up for the CSA, because they're going to be away too much this summer, but they're like honorary CSA members because they are so supportive -- in regular purchases and otherwise.
CSAers often pick up for each other. And when people are away, they send their friends or family to pick up for them, which involves even more people in the CSA. Spreading the veggie wealth.
Anyway, I'm gushing I know, but really its been wonderful. Thank you CSAers and CSA supporters.
Posted by maryellen at July 21, 2005 08:30 AMYay, sounds like a wild sucess
Posted by: jess at July 21, 2005 10:01 AMVery nice piece. I like your enthusiasm. You might want to regularly mention what CSA stands for so your more occasional (or zoned out) readers can keep up with the acronyms. Some for NOFA. Sorry....guess my short term memory is still shot.
Posted by: mike at July 21, 2005 12:59 PMCSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, a term which may also require some explanation! It's the sign up (and pay) in the spring, and get a basket of veggies every week all summer deal. The next two entries (or previous two, I guess) give you an idea of what's in the weekly baskets.
Posted by: Maryellen at July 21, 2005 03:19 PMMy son works for a CSA in California, Live Power Community Farm in Covelo, CA. I like reading about your farm as it gives me insight into what he is doing.
There was an article on the Yahoo boards about farms using live power for plowing, haying, etc. That is where things are heading, I believe. And the local CSA will set the example for the community based farms of the future (I hope).
That's not to take away from your excellent tractor. :-) At least while gas is under $5@ gallon.
It really IS wonderful. When our family eats a meal of your veggies and Penny Lowe's (of Second Chance Farm)terrific meat, I feel so much better than if we were eating crappy food from god knows where. If food is love than locally grown food is true love. It is not simply that eating local, organic food is healthier and more environmentally sound. It's more than that. When you know and like and respect the people who produced your food, you are nourished in a deeper way.
Thanks for doing what you do and thanks for the awesome veggies!
--Zoë, a proud CSAer
