The basics of Community Support Agriculture is that customers reduce the burden on farmers by purchasing a share, which gives them a weekly portion of the harvest. CSAs traditionally produce fruits and vegetables but may include meat, dairy, grains, herbs, maple syrup or honey, and even natural medicines.
The lifestyle publication Chronogram recently looked at CSAs: their origin, growth in popularity, and community benefits. Associate Professor Dr. Mahla Zare is quoted as a source in the article, addressing the benefits of CSAs from a nutritional and mental health perspective.
“Being part of a CSA fosters a sense of community and belonging, which can help combat the growing issue of social isolation,” says Dr. Zare. “The connections between members and farmers create a deeper appreciation for where our food comes from and strengthen local networks.”
