In honor of CSA Day, we decided to populate a guide of all of the CSA offerings at the LSFM.
What is a CSA?
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a program that helps to bridge the gap between consumers and their local agriculture. This program gives an opportunity to consumers who care about what they eat, as well as supporting local agriculture to become a part of a local farm.
Members purchase a share of the farm prior to the beginning of the growing season and receive a weekly box of the high quality, seasonal produce for the duration of the membership.
It is a win win for both the farmers and the members.
(from Geneva Lakes Produce)
How do I know which CSA to become a member of?
If
you've been sourcing a majority of your food from the LSFM the past year, consider signing up for a CSA in 2020. Take a moment to reflect on your eating habits in the last year. What did you find yourself almost exclusively buying at the LSFM? Which farmer do you want to support more? Take a look at the list below to get an idea of the CSA offerings at the LSFM, and reach out to the farmers directly with questions you might have! Worried you'll have too much produce? Split a share with your housemates or buy in with a friend.
Vegetable/Flowers/Fruit CSA options:
Iron Creek Organic
offers three different sizes for their CSA throughout 19 weeks. Read about which option works best for your household
here
.
Growing Home
offers weekly and biweekly organic shares which are great if you can't commit to a share each week. Learn more about their
programs
and Get more info
here
.
Geneva Lakes Produce
offers a unique "fill your own crate" method with their CSA. In addition to their 20 week season they offer an option for a 27 week extended season. If this sounds likes the right fit for you, read more and sign up
here
.
Support beginning farmers at
Nodding Onion Farm
-- a worker-owned urban farm in Southside Chicago. They have biweekly and weekly shares available with produce, herbs and flowers. Sign up
here
.
-
Tomato Mountain Farm
offers so many goodies and add-ons (and yes, more than just tomatoes). Ask them about it on Sunday or
f
ind pics and learn all about it
here
-
Earth First Farms
offers two organic fruit options: an exclusive apple CSA or a full fruit share. Read up on which makes sense for you
here
.
Meat/Fish/Eggs:
-
Cedar Valley Sustainable Farm
was the first meat CSA offered in Chicago. They offer monthly, quarterly, and yearly memberships. Find out more
here
.
-Become a member of a Community Supported Fishery through
Sitka Salmon Shares
. Find the right package for you
here
-
Mint Creek Farm
offers a monthly and weekly CSA year round. Members benefit from discounted holiday turkeys, events and more. Sign up
here
.
-
Frillman Farms,
the farm supplying Daisies restaurant here in Logan Square is offering an egg csa this season. Learn more and sign up
here
.
