CSA
10 articles
Community Supported Agriculture — how CSAs work, how to pick one, what they cost, and how to run one. Both sides of the subscription-produce relationship.
CSA vs Meal Kit Subscription — Which Is Worth It?
CSA farm shares and meal kit subscriptions both deliver food to your door on a schedule — but they're built around very different priorities. Here's a direct comparison on cost, convenience, freshness, and waste.
Delivery vs On-Farm Pickup — Which Is Better for Buying Local?
Both delivery and on-farm pickup get local food to your table, but they involve different trade-offs in cost, freshness, relationship-building, and convenience. Here's how to choose.
First Time Buying From a Farm? Start Here
Buying directly from a farm for the first time can feel uncertain. This guide walks you through what to expect, what questions to ask, and how to get the most out of your first farm purchase.
How to Get Repeat Customers as a Small Farm
Repeat customers are the financial backbone of a direct-market farm. Here's what actually builds loyalty — beyond just growing good food.
How to Store Farm-Fresh Produce to Reduce Waste
Farm-fresh produce comes with different storage needs than grocery store produce. Knowing what goes in the fridge, what stays on the counter, and how to revive wilted greens can cut your waste in half.
Is a CSA Worth It?
A CSA subscription can save money, introduce you to better produce, and support a local farm — but it's not the right fit for everyone. Here's an honest breakdown.
Is Local Food Actually Cheaper Than Grocery Stores?
Local food has a reputation for being expensive, but the real comparison is more complicated. When you factor in waste, nutrition, and what you're actually buying, the math often shifts.
Market-Style CSA vs Traditional CSA — Which Is Right for You?
Traditional CSAs give you a pre-packed box of whatever the farm harvested. Market-style CSAs let you choose your own items from the farm's weekly inventory. Both support local farms directly — but they suit different households differently.
What's the Shelf Life of Farm-Fresh Produce?
Farm-fresh produce and grocery store produce have different shelf lives — sometimes longer, sometimes shorter. Here's what to expect for common crops and how to extend it.
CSA vs Buying à la Carte: Which Is Better for You?
CSA shares offer commitment and value. Buying à la carte gives you control. Which works better depends on how your household actually eats — not on which model sounds more appealing in theory.