As we enter the last month of summer, we’re also entering peak season for some of the year’s best produce. Late summer offers some of the freshest and abundant fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, corn, peppers, zucchini, berries, stone fruit, and herbs. This summer, you can support local farms while receiving weekly fresh and seasonal produce through CSA & Farm Shares in San Francisco and the Bay Area.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) connects residents directly with local, organic farms. Members can purchase a “share” of the harvest from a local farm at the start of the growing season, and in return, farmers will provide a weekly box of fresh produce all season long. Each week, farmers will grow, pick, pack, and deliver the Bay Area’s freshest fruits and vegetables in season. Then, profits go back into building farms and supporting local Bay Area farmers.
CSA boxes of produce arrived for pickup.
CSA benefits both the environment and many local farmers. Shopping locally reduces transportation emissions and eliminates heavy plastic grocery packaging. We can reduce our carbon footprint by purchasing produce that is local and in season, while supporting community farms.
Additionally, CSA supports many local farmers. By purchasing produce through CSA, your money goes directly to independent farmers. Paying early in the season through an upfront investment also helps farmers buy seeds and pay for equipment when they need cash flow the most, supporting them throughout the growing season. Lastly, CSA is a great opportunity to make connections with local farms and get to know your food source. Many CSA members can often visit the farm or attend special events they hold. Smaller communities also mean closer relationships with farmers, a first pick of the harvest, and shares that are packed with the freshest seasonal produce.
However, CSA may not be for everyone. Some downsides of the program may include having dietary restrictions or being located far away from agricultural spots. While weekly boxes of produce change depending on what’s ready to harvest, members may not always have a choice in which produce they receive. Luckily, the Bay Area is a unique region, offering a wide variety of produce. Additionally, local farms have a list of local producers to choose from in the San Francisco Bay Area.
If you are interested in signing up for a CSA box, check out a list of local farms including Greenhearts Family Farm, Heirloom Organic Gardens, Pasture Chick Ranch, and Pinnacle Organics.
In addition, UCSF has an existing partnership with Farm Fresh to You, an organic produce delivery service and CSA program. UCSF employees can use promo code UCSF to receive 20% off Farm Fresh to You produce, while supporting local farm-to-table food programs. Follow this link to the promo code on the UCSF discount page for more information!
To find your nearest CSA Farm follow this link.