Sign Me Up. My first foray into a CSA membership

Well, I've gone and done it. I've signed up for my first Community Supported Agriculture membership.

Every week from early spring through late fall this year, I will receive a shipment of food and it will be my challenge to come up with great ways to get the stuff to the dinner table.  I'm sure a lot of it will be familiar - I'm pretty good with a potato, if I do say so myself - while some of it may present some challenges. At least they'll be fun challenges.

Each year the options for CSA providers is growing and obviously it's a great thing. More local farms with guaranteed income, more locals with guaranteed great produce, less environmental impact, etc.

I've always enjoyed the shopping experience at places like the Kingston Market and Saint John City Market and I'm sure that will continue, but I'm looking forward to the surprise pack that will arrive each week from my CSA provider.  The upside to the challenge of eating it all is that I'm almost assuredly going to have a much more diverse diet and learn a whole lot more about all kinds of produce. Again, win-win all around.

Is this your year to try a CSA as well? Have a look around and find a CSA - there's a growing number to choose from and you might be surprised how close they are to where you live.  Have you already been a CSA member before?  I'd love to hear about the experience!

-Michael Hawkins