If you’ve spent any time looking into local food options, you’ve probably come across the term CSA. But what exactly does it mean? And why are more people in Saskatchewan turning to CSAs as a way to support local farms and eat seasonally?
Let’s break it down.
What Does CSA Stand For?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It’s a simple but powerful concept. Customers (also called “members” or “subscribers”) buy a share of a farm’s harvest at the beginning of the season. In return, they receive a regular delivery or pickup of fresh, locally grown food – usually weekly or biweekly.
How Does It Work?
Every CSA is a little different, but here’s a typical setup:
- You sign up for a season (often spring through fall).
- You pay upfront, which helps the farmer with early-season costs like seeds and equipment.
- You receive a regular box of fresh produce, eggs, meat, or other farm products.
- You eat what’s in season, often picked just hours before delivery.
Some CSAs allow you to customize your box or choose from different sizes, while others provide a surprise mix each week based on what’s ready to harvest.
What Can You Expect in a CSA Box?
The contents of a CSA box change with the season. Early in the year, you might get things like spinach, radishes, and green onions. Summer brings tomatoes, cucumbers, berries, and herbs. Fall boxes are full of squash, carrots, potatoes, and other hearty vegetables. Some even include recipes that use the ingredients in the current week’s box!
Some CSAs include more than just produce. You may find:
- Farm-fresh eggs
- Locally raised meat
- Bread, preserves, or baking
- Cut flowers or herbs
Why Do People Love CSAs?
There’s a lot to love about joining a CSA:
- Freshness: Food is harvested at its peak and delivered quickly.
- Local support: Your money goes directly to farmers in your area.
- Seasonal eating: You’ll discover new foods and eat with the rhythms of the land.
- Less waste: Many CSAs use less packaging and avoid long transport.
Plus, there’s something exciting about opening your weekly box and planning meals around what’s inside.
Is a CSA Right for You?
CSAs are a great fit if you:
- Enjoy cooking at home
- Want to try new vegetables and seasonal foods
- Care about where your food comes from
- Want to build a connection with a local farm
They may not be ideal for picky eaters or people who travel frequently, but many CSAs are becoming more flexible with pickup options and customization.
How to Find a CSA in Saskatchewan
You can find CSA programs through:
- Our Farm to Fork SK listings
- Local farmers markets
- Word of mouth or community Facebook groups
Some farms offer delivery to Saskatoon, Regina, and other communities. Others offer central pickup points or on-farm pickup.
Thinking about joining a CSA this year?
It’s a great way to support local agriculture, reduce your food miles, and enjoy food that’s as fresh as it gets.
Have a favorite CSA or farm you’d like to recommend? Let us know or encourage them to join our listings!