Summer Lovin'

Getting ready to cook up some delicious CSA veggies!

 
This summer I fell in love.  It has blossomed into a colorful relationship filled with reds, greens, yellows, and blues. This partnership even has an official name, but one that I cannot adopt, because many other ladies and gentlemen are already part of its system.

It’s called my summer CSA program (community supported agriculture). While it might be a summer fling, I’m in it for the long haul.

For $260, and 16-summer weeks, I receive vegetables weekly. Fresh, crispy, mildly organic, Ohio only grown, goodness.  It feels like Christmas comes early when I pick up my fresh blueberries, strawberries, corn, basil, Napa cabbage, and tomatoes. Each week, the mix is different, gorgeous, and delicious.

I pick up a canvas bag mix every Wednesday at the Madison Library, which is the main distribution point. This ever so popular pick-up joint has been orchestrated by the LEAF Community (Lakewood Earth and Food), which is essentially a volunteer based organization of over 600 members. The LEAF Community partners with City Fresh to distribute the shares with the local farmers and other guest vendors.

I recommend these programs to anyone and any family, and most importantly, I save big time. Historically, I’d overspend by $75-$100 at my local Giant Eagle for China-based apples, Chilean grapes, New Zealand kiwis, Idaho potatoes, and who knows what else on other fruits and vegetables.  Join now and experience the summer love for local farmers.

Read More on LEAF Community
Volume 5, Issue 17, Posted 3:05 PM, 08.25.2009