Dark, CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.
It's a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become "members" (or "shareholders," or "subscribers") of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. (from
this website )
They work various ways, but basically you get fresh seasonal fruits and veggies, similar to those you'd buy at a farmers' market, that is local and perhaps organic. But, you get them regularly, and for the most part you don't get to choose what you get. The one I belong to tells me a few days ahead what they're sending, and I can substitute up to 5 items either by doubling up on something else or choosing a substitute from a list. It's a great way to try new things, and the price - at least for me - is no more than buying mediocre produce at the grocery.
