CSA 101
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between you and a Farmer. Its a subscription program that allows you to become a member and shareholder of a local, organic, free-range farm for a season. By joining a CSA, you receive a weekly share of amazing local food directly from a farm in exchange for the guaranteed income that you provide to the farmers. You will also get to share in the risks and rewards of small-scale farming including amazing vegetables, healthy meats, and weather, insect damage, and bumper crops.
CSAs provide a perfect opportunity to build a relationship with the people who grow your food, to see where your food comes from, and to taste the freshest food our region has to offer. We have several member farmers who offer CSA programs. Most run May through October and there are some that run year round or into the winter.
CSAs provide a perfect opportunity to build a relationship with the people who grow your food, to see where your food comes from, and to taste the freshest food our region has to offer. We have several member farmers who offer CSA programs. Most run May through October and there are some that run year round or into the winter.
Please note: The KC Food Circle does not grow or deliver the food you are looking for. Contact the farms listed below to find the CSA that is right for you.
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How Do I Pick the Right CSA?
Size & Price. How big is a share? Will it feed two? Four? How much produce (or meat) will you get for the cost? Some CSAs offer a “big box” and “small box” – talk to the farmer about what a typical share looks like. Can you opt out of too many radishes, or trade for more potatoes? Length of season. How many weeks does your CSA run? What can I expect to receive with my subscription? Do they offer value added extras?(Partnerships with other farms to provide more products like: meat, cheese, eggs, breads) Pick up & delivery day. Choosing a CSA is a lot like real estate. The most important thing to consider is how convenient the pick up location is to you. Do you have to pick up at the farm or is there a local drop spot? What day is the pickup? Will that work with your schedule? Where does it come from? Does the farm provide all the produce in the CSA box or do they obtain some from other sources? You might never think to ask this question, assuming that CSA = one farmer, right? Consider what normally grows around here. If you are seeing crazy stuff like or watermelons in May, or oranges, you might want to ask a few questions. (Psst! Food Circle farmers pride themselves on transparency, and if you are signing up for a CSA with our Farmers, this is probably a non-issue.) Organic or no? Is it imperative to you that your CSA be certified organic? Many of our farmers are certified organic, but ALL use sustainable practices and avoid nasty chemicals. |
How Do I Join a CSA? Ready to join a CSA?
Step 1: Look at the CSA map below. Step 2: Browse the various CSA pick up locations closest to you. Step 3: Click on a CSA name from the list on the left to see more detailed information. Step 4: Contact the CSA directly to join and learn more about membership and shares. Step 5: Start planning for some amazing food! |
Kansas City Food Circle CSA Farms
