 |
| Some of the produce from the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative. |
Who wants to receive a package of fresh, organic vegetables and fruits every week directly from a farm at a reasonable cost? That’s the idea behind Community Supported Agriculture (CSA).
Jennifer Auble of the Ravensworth Farm neighborhood in North Springfield has agreed to host a delivery and pick-up site for a CSA operated by the Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (LFFC), a group of 75 farmers in Lancaster County, Pa. To make it work, she needs at least 30 people to sign up by April 24.
By joining a CSA, members help keep sustainable farms and local food safe for future generations.
CSA members commit to support farmers for the entire growing season by paying for their share of the harvest in the winter and early spring. That allows farmers to purchase supplies and start their crops, and deliver to shareholders fresh, organic, seasonal produce for a 26-week period, May through October. The produce sold through LFFC is certified organic unless otherwise noted.
LFFC offers three share options for vegetables, ranging from $14 to $31 a week.
Every Thursday, CSA members receive an email with the list of items in the weekly share plus advice on meal planning. Members will pick up their packages at Auble’s home. The CSA has a Facebook page and Pinterest site where people can share recipes and cooking tips.
The large vegetable share includes 11 to 12 items and will serve the needs of a couple with a vegetable-centered diet or a family of four to six who serve vegetables as a side dish.
An example of a large-share package in June would include a bag of micro radish greens, two zucchini, a head of green leaf lettuce, a head of red butter head lettuce, a bag of fava beans, a quart of new red potatoes, a bunch of onions, a head of broccoli, a bag of garlic, a bag of lettuce mix, a bunch of collard greens, and a bunch of orange mint.
The medium vegetable share provides six to seven items a week. There’s also a $10 a week a fruit share for 21 weeks plus chicken, meat, cheese, bread, and egg shares.
To sign up for the CSA hosted by Auble, visit the LFFC registration page, select your share, and select the North Springfield location on Inverchapel Road. For more information, contact Jen at 703-922-9353 or jenmarzouk@yahoo.com. Registration closes April 24, but it would be appreciated if people sign up earlier.