Typically, when you pick up your share in a CSA program there should be enough food to feed an average family of four for the entire week – or however long the time is between CSA share pick-ups.
Unless there are major issues with the crops, an experienced farmer will be able to successfully gauge how much they need to plant in order to fulfill this obligation to their shareholders.
And that is what CSA members are – shareholders in the farm.
They pay ahead of time, without having seen the crops, in order to help support the farm.
Farmers, in turn, reward that investment with the best and first pick of their crops – before their farm stand, farmers markets, restaurant sales or wholesale.
Typically, farmers urge their shareholders for feedback on what the shareholders want to see the farmer grow and how satisfied they are.
And, each week during the growing season, shareholders go to the farm – or an appointed pick-up location – for what should be two large bags or a large box packed full of local, wholesome, tasty goodness.
Farmers, in return, grow loyal supporters and help keep food miles low for their area.
Seems a good give-and-take to me!
