After a very lively discussion on angelenic regarding the lack produce choices in Downtown, I wanted to write about the option of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Some of you may already know what this is, but for everybody else:

“Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a direct relationship between the consumer and the farmers. It is an innovative approach to sustainability that connects people to the place they live and to the people in their community. It allows them to share the responsibility for stewardship of the land and its resources Shareholders receive a share of the Farm produce for a predetermined annual payment.” —Tierra Miguel Foundation

Imagine if Mother Nature assembled a care package for you and all you had to do was pick it up every week somewhere close to work or home. Sound too good to be true? Well, it’s possible.

Subscribing to a CSA Farmshare Program

A subscription to a CSA farmshare entitles you to a weekly box of locally grown organic fruits and veggies (sometimes extra goodies are thrown in, such as a jar of organic honey).

A full share is enough to feed a family of four. For couples and singles a half-share with bi-weekly delivery is sufficient. The benefits of subscribing are:

1) You are supporting a farm that practices organic and/or responsible growing techniques,
2) Your subscription is going to a non-profit organization and is tax-deductible,
3) The food you get is fresh, flavorful and pesticide free, and
4) If you are ever unable to pick-up your box, your portion is delivered to a local food bank.

Why You Should Consider Joining

A friend of mine in New York turned me on to the CSA programs. I was a subscriber last year and found the honeydew melon and grapefruit to be the most amazing I’ve ever tasted! I also received more rosemary and baby potatoes than I knew what to do with. Everything was consistently ripe, fresh and delicious.

Unlike our east coast brethren, we Californians enjoy a year-round growing season. A local farm may take a few weeks hiatus per year to re-cultivate their fields, but a full subscription should guarantee you over 40 weeks of fresh produce.

Some CSA programs even provide recipes for the vegetables included in each shipment to assist with preparation ideas. Think of your weekly veggie box as a Top Chef challenge minus the harsh judgment and elimination factor.

It’s a great way to expose yourself to different types of vegetables you wouldn’t normally buy. How many people have swiss chard on their grocery list?

The Logistics of Being a Member

There are several Southern California farms participating in CSA programs. Unfortunately, most of them are located in San Diego and service surrounding cities and counties. Tierra Miguel Foundation has the most extensive reach with pick-up sites in South Pasadena, Van Nuys, Mar Vista and other Los Angeles County locales.

A full subscription with Tierra Miguel is $2000 per year or approximately $43 per week. Shorter seasonal subscription are also available for fall, winter or summer.

Tierra Miguel does not currently have a pick-up site for Downtown LA, but I believe they would consider creating one if there was enough interest in the community (hint, hint).

Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark is a newer, more local CSA also worth considering.

Their program started February 1, 2008, and they are currently seeking new subscribers for a minimum commitment of 3 months at $28 per week for a full share.

When the interest group for a community reaches 20 people, Underwood Family Farms will arrange a pick-up site and set up an online application process for subscribers. (This farm states on their website that they use responsible farming techniques, but are not necessarily organic.)

Garnering Community Support

I think the Downtown community would benefit from having a CSA pick-up site, perhaps at the Sunday Flea Market or in the storage space of a local business. Tierra Miguel’s Van Nuys pick-up site at the front door of a private residence shows any place can be arranged.

Downtown residents seem like progressive and socially responsible people who value quality, variety and sustainability. Perhaps we can establish an alternative way to purchase our food that makes a statement about this lifestyle we value.

Anybody interested? Show your support below in the comments!

Find out more about local farms, farmer’s markets and CSA programs at www.localharvest.org.

-ralphs feeds flowers, lets hungry starve

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