Want to support local (and often family) farms? Want to eat healthy? Think about joining a CSA.
I often hear people decry the loss of the local family farms to big agra. Well, if you're serious about doing something about that I have a possible solution for you AND your local farms: CSAs. CSA stands for Community-Supported Agriculture. Here's the rundown:
A farmer offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables and/or fruits, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a subscription and in return receive a box (bag, basket) of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season.
I signed up with a local family farm that is certified organic. A few days before delivery, I e-mail in my order. The produce is delivered to a central location (some of them will deliver them straight to your house). The box contains fresh, ripe, LOCAL, organic veggies and fruits. When I pick up my produce, I hand in last-week's empty box which gets used again and again. So, the food has traveled less than 15 miles, I've used no plastic bags, I've used no more gas going to pick up my box than I use going to the grocery store, I'm supporting a LOCAL organic farmer and I get good, LOCALLY-GROWN produce. I'm eating healthy and being environmentally responsible all at the same time. AND, the farmer has a guaranteed stream of steady income. If you're interested, you can go to the website below, enter in your zip code and find CSA's in your area. If you're serious about wanting to save local farms, this is one way you can do it.
http://www.localharvest.org/
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It's been a boon to us in several ways, not the least of which is it's making us eat lots more fresh fruits and vegetables. The asparagus I've been getting the last few weeks is to die for. SMALL stocks so there's less waste and VERY tender. There's a HUGE difference in taste when it's picked at the height of ripe.
And thanks for the K & R. 
how much more nutritious fresh produce is over that which is several days old(er). I am very fortunate to live in an area with lots of agriculture, smaller farms. Booming farmer's market and a community that strongly supports buying local. Many of our grocery stores buy from local farmers and put up signs telling customers which local farm the items are from.
This idea though, that you post, is so awesome for those who do't live in a place like I do! This could be an excellent answer to some our nutrition woes.
Back atcha!
Julie
All of the field workers were older immigrant Hmong women who had farmed at home. None spoke English and thus had a hard time finding work. The farm gave them the opportunity to earn a living and a sense of connection with their old way of living. The farm managers, all experienced American farmers, learned a lot about new crops from these women. The pea shoots, for example. The Americans were growing peas, the Hmong women knew that there were two crops on those plants. 
out about a big farmer's market in a neighboring town that I didn't know about. I'm going to check it out Saturday morning. Thanks for the post!
You're still supporting local agriculture and that's the whole idea. I also shop at our local farmer's markets because the farmer I trade with doesn't grow everything. I bought some fresh organic strawberries last Saturday that I think lasted a whole two hours.
I found them through the link that you posted.
Mine is a partial share (plenty for 2 people) and it's $240 for 10 weeks. My farmer also grows organic and I've had so much fun learning how to cook vegetables that I've never eaten before. http://allrecipes.com/ has been my go-to site
Because of our mild weather, there is only a 1 month break. I can hardly wait for tomato season to begin!
He has 16 drop off locations in the Houston area if anyone is interested.
