Local CSA's

[Elliot Jackson]

Last night, a friend of mine and I were having dinner and she mentioned the idea of the CSA, a Community Supported Agricultural program that offers weekly boxes, called "shares", of enough organic vegetables for a family of 4 for $30-40/week for either pickup or delivery, depending on the service. They usually require a minimal 4 week commitment, though. Some of them will also let you volunteer on their property in exchange for a share. Yes, the idea sounds a little like what greenling.com offers, other than the minimal requirement and opportunity to work for food, but these services can be a little cheaper and are non-profits that usually grow the veggies themselves and depend on member subscriptions. You also develop a direct relationship with the people growing your food and usually get a chance to visit the farm, which I think makes the arrangement all the more rewarding. Check out these links for extra info and be sure to google CSA and your city and I'm sure you'll find even more in your area.

http://jbgorganic.com/
http://springdalefarmaustin.com/
http://www.edibleaustin.com/content/index.php?option=com_content&am...
http://www.pickyourown.org/TXaustin.htm
http://www.yummyfarms.com/
http://www.cookiemag.com/food/2007/09/CSAdirectory

[Rachel Butler]

Urban Patchwork http://www.urbanpatchwork.org

[Rachel Butler]

awesome share, Elliot. A member of our FOOGs community, Paige Hill also started a new CSA program, called Urban Patchwork.

Be sure to check it out. I think they are in their pilot program phase. Thanks for all the other contacts.