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Here at Danjo Farms we believe that being a part of a CSA (community supported agriculture) farmshare program is good for everyone involved - the family, the community and the farmer. We like to call this the "three leg's on the old milk stool".
But what is the benefits to the family in a realistic sense? First and foremost, the family members get locally grown produce. Lots of studies have been done that support that locally grown produce, nuts, berries, dairy products, fruit and meats are nutritionally superior to their store bought counterparts. By growing local, harvesting within a three day period before consumption and keeping travel miles within the community plays a tremedous role in freshness and nutritive value.
I guess I am old fashioned when it comes to eating supper. The ability to have a home-cooked meal, set the table, have good manners and an uplifting conversation is a blessing! They say that a family that "eats together, stays together!" Families are better off for this pratice physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. A CSA farmshare demands the family to build meals from what is in season from their weekly offerings in the box or bag given to them by their farmer. So turn off your favorite "electronic device" and turn on the stove and oven. Invite your family to the dinner table. You might find the experience quite surprising!
Third, the family is allowed the oppourtunity to visit the farm where their CSA farmshares are grown. This gives them a stark look at how we all depend deeply on the "top 8 inches of soil" for our livelihood. That crops have a life cycle that is based on nature and its elements. To see that spring, summer and fall are a part of the cycle of farming the earth with its succeses and failures. The peace and tranquility of walking in the gardens, watching the animals play or just plain fishing in the pond. This brings strength to the human soul and a new sense of freedom to families.
Fourth, the community gets back its food security, relationships are built, Keeping cash flow local and a sense of ownership in what I call "Down Home Common Cents". Too many poeple go through life lonely and disconnected from their communities. We have given away our food security to Big "W"', always importing everything into our communites and transporting all our money into some other community. So goes the local businesses, our nutrition, and the growth and stability of our local community.
Have you ever been to an "all in one shop" store and not seen a child throwing a tantrum over a twinkee or a plastic toy! I've seen it, experienced it and have had my own kids do it! Not a pleasant experience. When kids come to our farm to visit, they generally are full of joy and inquisitive questions. The parents are calm and full of interest in the farm, wanting to have a good experience in the country. We laugh, see nature at its best and begin building a better community through friendship and the common bond of eating farm fresh. All leave enriched and fullfilled with the commitment "to do this agian".
Money comes and money goes, but to see our assets leave our community is downright disheartening and even troubling. We have a great deal to be thankful for here at Danjo Farms with the CSA farmshare members, who see that we need them as much as they need us! Much of our welfare depends on the CSA program to be a sucess. This is why it is our "number one priority" when it comes to growing vegetables, berries, fruit, herbs and meats that we market from our farm. We try our best to gain family and community trust by offering the best we can grow throughout the year. You get the first pickings and the best of the crop in your CSA farmshare every week. I imagine this to be our motto, "to try to do our best and let God do the rest!"
A CSA farmshare progam can do wonders to help regain our local ecomony, our food security and our families health. Let us all unite in developing a better America for ourselves, our children and those to come in what ever you do! Time to do the chores. Ye haw!
