CSA. If you've seen the acronym on roadside signs but still don't know what it means, it's Community Supported Agriculture. Farmers offer a certain number of shares to the public and customers pay a monthly fee to pick up a week's worth of fresh produce every week. The convenience of picking up a box of all your fruits and vegetables for the week is attractive and encourages communities to support local farms.
DeFrancesco's farm stand, located on Forest Road in Northford, started its CSA pick ups and customers are more than just willing to help the farm–they're excited.
"I just drove by, saw the sign and called," said Adrienne DeVos of Madison, who was picking up her first CSA box of the season. Items like kale, collard greens, red leaf lettuce, squash, strawberries and peas were all packed and ready for DeVos, who said she was "so excited all day" to get her first bunch.
For those who are not fond of routine, you'll be happy to hear that the products offered will vary over time.
"As the season goes on and we get different products, it won't always be the same," said DeFrancesco staff member Joe DeLoughery.
CSA pick up's are on Mondays and Thursdays throughout the stand's operating hours, which are 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Shares cost $350 for the season, which works out to about $25 a week.
For more information on how to find a CSA near you, visit http://www.ecovian.com/csa and enter your city's name. To learn how you can start supporting the DeFrancesco Farm through their CSA program, call them at 203-484-0687.
