We all do our best to eat our veggies and support our local economy as much as we can. Well, one way we can do both is through CSA boxes.
What’s a CSA?
CSA stands for community supported agriculture and it’s just that, people directly supporting local farmers. Each season you can purchase a share and pick up a box of fresh produce each week. Many also offer add-ons like eggs or baked goods.
Why Is It Important?
In Hey Salt Lake we’ve talked about food sovereignty (the right of people to control their own food systems) before and CSA is another way we can accomplish that. It moves us away from industrial agriculture, builds community, and supports biodiversity.
Things To Note
☑️ Sign up ASAP as each place only has a limited number of shares.
☑️ CSA boxes are a commitment. It’s quite a lot of veggies in one box (even a half share) so ask neighbors or friends to go in one. Also, make sure you can commit to picking it up each week. Most don’t deliver!
☑️It can be expensive and you usually have to pay upfront. Again, consider splitting with someone else to help with the costs.
New Roots
New Roots is a program by Salt Lake City’s International Rescue Committee. It offers 16 weeks (June 28-Oct. 11) of full share, half share, and quarter share (which is perfect for 1-2 person households). They accept SNAP/EBT payments and have a pre-packed or free choice model to choose from.
Pre-Packed: Works like a traditional CSA where boxes are pre-packed. You can sign up for their newsletter to find out what produce to expect that week.
Free Choice: Choose your own veggies with this option. Each week you’ll head to the Redwood Farm in West Valley to hand select what you take home.
The Green Urban Lunchbox
The Green Urban Lunchbox revitalizes urban spaces to build a thriving food culture in our community. Their season is 20 weeks of shares (that feeds roughly two to three people) from June 6-Oct. 19. They accept SNAP/EBT payments and also offer a sliding scale if needed.
