Buy Local

I really like this print by Claudia G. Pearson on etsy. I'm trying to make an effort to buy locally, and made the realization that up until now, I haven't bought much locally out of convenience. I would prefer to buy all of my fresh produce and meats from local butchers and farmers market, but honestly a lot of the time I just don't have the time, and it's easier to swing into a local Safeway or grocery store on the way home.

Thus, I'm entertaining the idea of a CSA box. A few of my friends use this local producer - Full Circle Farms, and have had great success. I'm liking the idea of fresh local veggies magically appearing on my doorstep. I'm intrigued by the idea, but curious if it's worth the money. I'd hate to have too much produce and be forced to throw food away. Do any of you use a CSA box? Reviews?

image/etsy
via designsponge

9 comments

D&D said...

i haven't used the csa but i had to research farmers markets when i moved to maine. luckily i go to one every saturday with a list so as not to waste produce during the week!

RILEY said...

I don't but a good friend does and she loves it. She splits it with someone else (I think there's quite a bit). I love the idea of having to adapt your cooking to fit what's seasonal.

Let me know if you end up getting one!

Hilary said...

I get a CSA every other week. I live in California so I am lucky to have a variety of fresh produce available to me year round, but I absolutely love it! Mine is called Farm Fresh to You in the Capay valley. Forces you to cook with what you have on hand... but I admit I've been known to throw away month-old swiss chard on occasion.

Carol {Everyday Delights} said...

Love it! Since I do Full Circle too we'll have to compare recpies with our week's delivery!

Rachel said...

If you have access to a CSA, I would say go for it! See if they'll let you do every other week to start with.

I love getting a CSA box, but I can't commit to every single week because they don't deliver which means I have to pick it up and then lug it home on the bus. Can't face it every week. : (

Diana Mieczan said...

It's a great thing to buy local food! I do it but I am in Europe so…I use different company! Great poster :)
Kisses and have a great afternoon :)

Stevie said...

I used to get a box from Full Circle Farm and it was GREAT! But I was living by myself at the time and found that I just couldn't get through everything on my own, and I eat a TON of fruits and veggies.

Now that I'm living with the boyfriend, we will probably start getting it again.

Also, it's definitely worth it in the spring-fall, but the winter months aren't as exciting. It's mostly a bunch of root vegetables and some greens.

Carissa Thilgen said...

I'd like to buy more locally, too, but like you said, it is just not usually the convenient or cheapest choice!

I've never used a CSA before so I have no advice for you there... but let us know how it goes if you do decide to use one!

and I like that print, too :)

Mrs. Buck said...

I use Spud.com which not only provides a produce box but lots of other grocery items that are organic - and they really focus on local too!

ALso, I'm kinda controlling about my groceries (didnt want to have to throw stuff away, need certain stuff for meal planning etc) and spud lets you customize your produce box online.

Let me know if you're interested and I can send you a code for a discount off your first few boxes!