buying local

The produce selection at your local grocery store can sometimes be picked over and bruised. To get fresh, organic and locally-grown produce, consider joining a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) organization. Joining a Community Supported Agriculture is a convenient way to start buying local and have access to the freshest produce, grown organically in your community.

To join a CSA, you purchase a “share” of the farm. In return, you receive weekly deliveries of produce throughout the growing season, typically late May through November, depending on your location. To find a CSA in Buffalo, click here or find a local CSA through Local Harvest.

Benefits to All

  • Farmers have an improved intake of cash in the beginning of the year and are guaranteed a market for their products
  • Members receive fresh produce delivered to a convenient location near their homes
  • The community benefits as farming jobs are more secure
  • Food is grown without the use of pesticides, which benefits the environment and those who eat the produce. There is also a reduced use of fossil fuels, as products only need to travel a short distance for pick-up
  • No need to package the products, which cuts down on costs and reduces waste
  • Though CSA members only receive fruits and vegetables that are in season, there is generally a wide variety to choose from
  • Most CSAs offer cooking tips and recipes via newsletters to their members

 

Costs to You

Share price to join a CSA varies per program, based on length of season, crops grown, labor costs and other factors. When joining, you typically pay for the entire season upfront and some farms offer “worker shares” in which members work on the farm in exchange for produce. Beyond that, some CSAs offer payment plans and financial assistance to help with the cost of being a member.

In the end, CSA members receive fresh produce while supporting local business owners, that is a healthy win-win for everyone.

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