Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a program that’s becoming more and more popular. Also known as a “Farm Share,” a CSA is effectively helping you grow your own produce. After paying a membership fee (your seasonal “share” of the farm), you get a share of everything that is grown on the farm that season, typically from May until Thanksgiving.
CSAs support local farmers and provide your family with fresh, organic food every week. Many of them have events and opportunities to learn more about farming. NJ Family has some great tips for what to look out for and what to know before joining a CSA.
Here are some nearby CSAs. To find more about CSAs or farmer’s markets, visit LocalHarvest.org.
Honey Brook Organic Farm (Pennington, NJ): Members pick up their shares once per week either at Pennington or Chesterfield distribution centers, or at host sites located throughout New Jersey. Contents of all shares include vegetables, small fruits, herbs and flowers.
Merrick Farm (Farmingdale, NJ): Offers flowers and some vegetables, along with honey, beef, and eggs for sale to shareholders.
Three Pines Farm (Jackson, NJ): 20-week spring/summer season, 6-week fall season. Eggs and Honeybee products available to non-members by appointment only.