Do you know where your produce comes from? If you answered "the grocery store," then you've only half answered the question. Where was it grown? How was it grown? How far did it travel before it reached your shopping cart?

Because we know that the nutrient levels in fruits and vegetables begin to decline the minute they are picked, many people are turning toward community supported agriculture (CSA) for their produce. Members buy a share of their local CSA farm, and each week during the growing season they're supplied with a box of freshly and locally grown produce.

There are definite benefits to joining a CSA farm. Not only is the food as fresh as possible, it's also often organic. Variety is important when it comes nutrition, and your box will have something different in it each week. And for those who want, picking your own is often an option. This is a great way to introduce children to agriculture and help them connect the food they eat to the source. Less tangible benefits include reducing your contribution to air pollution, since your food doesn't have to be shipped hundreds or thousands of miles. In addition, by supporting a local farm, you'll also be supporting your community.
There are drawbacks, as well. You don't have a lot of say over what's grown or what appears in your box each week. If you don't like summer squash, and suddenly you have five pounds of it, you may be a little chagrined. In many areas, the growing season is also limited to May-October.

Interested in reading more? Visit Local Harvest to find a CSA, a family farm, or a food co-op near you. Or visit Veg Box Diaries for a look at how one London family deals with their weekly CSA delivery.