It's Time to Sign Up for Community Supported Agriculture programs

It’s time to sign up for CSAs: Local Food for Home & the Workplace

Sustainable Connections is hosting two events helping to connect the community to farmers that sell Community Supported Agriculture shares.

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a popular food delivery model that allows customers to get a fresh “share” of local vegetables and fruits from the farm weekly throughout the growing season. Customers sign up in early spring, and farmers commit to providing fresh, in-season food for typically 20-weeks that run June-October.

 A Farm Fresh Workplace Member Luncheon on March 7 will help connect businesses and CSA farmers, allowing workplaces to be a drop site for employee boxes. With five or more employees participating, farmers drop the weekly shares at the business, contributing to workplace wellness and greater convenience. At the luncheon, attendees will have the chance to meet local CSA farmers, learn more and receive tips and resources from SC staff who have helped facilitate over 100 farm to workplace connections in the last seven years. 

 On March 17, a Farm Fresh CSA Fair will be held at the Bellingham Farmers Market from 11-3, as a way for community members to directly engage with farmers offering CSA shares. From produce boxes (some come with other local product add-ons like meat and eggs) to new models like Community Supported Fisheries with local fishermen, there are a variety of box sizes and types to choose from.

CSA Fair attendees can be entered to win $150 to put towards a CSA share of their choice just by attending and meeting farmers!

Price comparison research from Sustainable Connections has found that CSA participants save an average of 30% on produce items, compared to buying the same organic produce items at any other Northwest grocer. Boxes on average will run $20-25 a week, making it an affordable and convenient way to support local farmers.

 What: Farm Fresh Workplace Member Luncheon

When: Wednesday, March 7, 2018, 12:00-1:15 pm

Where: Sustainable Connections

Who: Open to all businesses, organizations, and their employees

Details: https://sustainableconnections.org/events

Price: Free for Sustainable Connections members, non-members $10

 What: Farm Fresh CSA Fair

When: Saturday, March 17, 2018, 11:00-3:00pm

Where: Bellingham Farmers Market

Who: Open to all!

Details: https://sustainableconnections.org/events

Price: FREE