The Walleye Magazine

Community Supported Agriculture

Connecting the Producer with the Consumers

By Wendy Wright

Have you heard the term CommunitySupported Agriculture (CSA) bandied about in agricultural circles or at the Thunder Bay Country Market and wondered just what that is? Here is an introduction to what they are, how they work and what the buzz is all about, along with a guide to our local CSAs and their contact information.

What is a CSA?

A CSA is basically a prepaid subscription service for fresh, local food all season long. When someone purchases a CSA share, they are guaranteeing the farmer a customer for the season. The purchaser is also putting their money where their mouth is in supporting the farm, regardless of how the season shapes up. If there is a drought or an abundance, the purchaser is along for the ride and shares in the risks and rewards. This way of supporting local agriculture helps to ensure that it continues. Growers need to know they are supported, and CSAs provide that comfort from CSA consumers. The investment at the beginning of the season is reassurance and provides up-front

funding to get the season off to a great start.

What’s in a CSA box and how often do you receive them?

Depending on which type of CSA you invest in, this answer varies. Research the available farms and what they grow and farm, and ask yourself some questions to decide which one is right for you. What items would I like? How often is the box available? How much does my family need? What price point am I comfortable with? When are pickup times? Generally, the availability is weekly, but this may vary somewhat depending on the CSA and the season. You can expect a great variety of fresh produce that changes as the season progresses. This is also a way of getting into eating with the seasons and learning how to prepare some veggies you may never have tried. Yes, there are often recipes involved. You can also expect fresh eggs, meat, poultry, honey, baked goods, and other add-ons like locally roasted coffee.

Some CSA farms have volunteer days for consumers to come and help with the farm chores and really get their hands dirty. If you’ve never seen what happens in a day on the farm, volunteering will open your eyes and give you an even better view of what your investment is helping to grow: community, passion for local food, environmentalism, love of the earth, respect for animals, and a robust smile at the end of the day.

Local CSAs in the Thunder Bay area

Thunder Bay In Season has lots of information on their website, tbayinseason. ca, and each farm has Facebook and Instagram accounts with more details. Please check with each individual farm for more information. Nourish yourself and your five senses this season and get involved with one of our local CSAs, and have a delicious summer!

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