My fall CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) started last week............ here is a picture of what was in my box:
I was excited that this year Pinckney Produce decided to offer a fall season. I chose Pinckney's after being part of a different local CSA for a couple of years. That particular CSA just didn't have a wide variety of produce (although I've been told they have improved now) and the pick up point was not very convenient for me. Because my boys are both in school now, I chose to get the smallest share they offer - it works out to costing about $20 per week. They also have a 'swap' box at the pick up location so that you can swap out anything that you might not eat. This week, I was able to swap my eggplant and my okra for extra green peppers and cucumbers! Do you belong to a CSA? If not, you should consider it - you can check here for opportunities in your area: http://www.localharvest.org/
Participating in a CSA program has many benefits besides getting good fresh local produce every week (which is a great benefit all by itself). I love knowing that my fruits and veggies were picked just a day or two before I get them and haven't been sitting around in a truck for weeks somewhere. It's a great way to support local farmers and keep your money in your community.