Nothing is more nourishing for you body, soul and tastebuds than organic veggies right out of the earth. It is a game changer for flavor and nutritional value. The average ingredient in a grocery store travels 1500 miles to get to you shopping cart and then onto your plate. In order to transport food long distances, much of it is picked while still unripe and then gassed to “ripen” it after transport, or it is highly processed in factories using preservatives, irradiation, and other means to keep it stable for transport and sale. This greatly diminishes the nutrient value (that is already lowered by modern factory farming practices). By supporting a local CSA you are doing good for you body, the environment and the community, not to mention saving money!
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture and essentially means that you help inject funds into the farm (typically in one lump sum) to assist in their seasonal operation by purchasing a weekly “share”- AKA a box of amazingly fresh produce only days if not hours old.
The nice thing about a CSA is that it is typically cheaper than the grocery store organics and sometimes the farmers market as they choose what to send you (based on what is growing in abundance). They also typically deliver to a drop-point near you so that you don’t have to trek to the market. Local farmers markets are also a great option but get to know your farmers as they are not always selling local and organic or non-sprayed produce- ask questions!
If you are not in South Florida or Austin visit Local Harvest for a CSA or farmers market near you. If we missed someone important on this list please let us know!
CSA Programs in South Florida
Bee Heaven Farm
Grower Margie Pickarski offers a weekly or biweekly FAMILY share, which usually satisfies the produce needs for a plant-centric family of 2-4. For individuals or small families, the farm offers a weekly or biweekly SMALL share, which is sufficient for 1-3 people. Additional items may be purchased from a webstore, to accompany your share on your delivery day. Learn More
Harpke Family Farm
Tamer and Claire Harpke (follow their travels in Egypt this summer on social media) offer weekly LARGE shares at their Urban Farm in Dania Beach which usually meet the produce needs for a family of 2-4. Individuals or smaller families who don’t consume lots of produce, a weekly SMALL share is available. Check out their super interesting microgreen CSA & Flexible Carrot Program too! Learn More
Little River CSA
Grower Muriel Olivares offers two share sizes to meet the demands of your household. Pick up at the Upper East Side Farmers Market every Saturday from 10am-2pm at Legion Park located at Biscayne blvd and 66th street . The CSA runs for about 20 consecutive weeks. Learn More
Nana’s CSA
Grower Michael Borek known for tomatoes, provides farm provides three share sizes, small, medium and large for 30 weeks, starting November 1, weather permitting. Michael previously worked with his mother, Teena Borek of Teena’s Pride CSA Learn More
Swank Farms Specialty Produce
Jodi and Darrin Swank’s program will be start on October 15. Harvested on the same day it’s delivered to 7 Whole Foods stores throughout Broward and Palm Beach Counties you know your veggies will be crisp & fresh… we hear that if they have enough people asking, they’ll come to Whole Foods Coral Gables…. check out their awesome events line-up too. Learn More
Taste of Redland
Redland-Raised produce from local farms directly into homes and restaurants in South Florida, with free next-day delivery. They are offering a few items currently in season via our website. Over the course of the next year we plan to begin shipping a variety of locally-grown fresh-picked fruits, vegetables, herbs, leaves and edible flowers as they come into season. Learn more
Verde Community Farm and Market
For people, not for profit, Tom Squire has turned part of the old Homestead airforce base into a wonderful farm program– and eatery. Full, half-share and EBT matching programs available at 3 convenient Farmer’s Market locations. Learn More
Farm Stores & CSA Programs in Austin
Green Gate Farms
In 2006, Skip Connett and Erin Flynn restored a historic farm site to create a community resource for neighbors of all incomes. “Our vision is to cultivate an organic farm that feeds mind, body and soul”. The farm grows several varieties of vegetables, which are all for sale at their farm stand. They also sell transplants for your garden, herbs, seeds, wildflower bouquets, and baked goods. Learn more
Boggy Creek Farm
Larry and Carola Ann Sayle own an urban farm in East Austin and a larger property in Milam County. On these farms they grow a variety of tomatoes, potatoes, onions, hard squash, summer squash, specialty and salad crops, okra, an much more. The majority of our produce is sold at the farm stand at the Austin farm, at our farm stand Wednesdays and Saturdays. Learn more
Tecolote Organic Farm
The longest-running CSA in Texas and has been brining organic veggies to Austinites for over 20 years and now service over 300 families. They grow over 150 varieties of vegetables and partner with many of the top restaurants in town. Learn more
Urban Roots
Urban Roots uses food and farming to transform the lives of young people and inspire, engage, and nourish the community. Founded in 2007 now has a goal of growing 25,000 pounds of produce with the Urban Roots community of youth, community volunteers, and staff. They donate 40% of our harvest to local soup kitchens and food pantries and sell the other 60% at farmers’ markets, through their CSA program and wholesale distribution. Learn more
