For a full list of Western PA farms offering CSAs, visit: https://farmtotablepa.com
In a CSA (consumer supported agriculture), customers pay for “shares” and receive a percentage of the products harvested from local farms. Shares are available from farms and farm cooperatives throughout Western PA. Customers pick a designated site such as a home, business, or church for pickup. CSAs have gained in popularity over the years and farms have responded by offering a variety of options:
- Weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly shares
- Small and large shares
- Organic or certified naturally grown
- Dietary concerns such as vegan or gluten-free shares
- Customized orders
- Paying weekly or as you order
TIPS FOR BUYING A CSA SHARE:
- Share! Share a “share” with a friend or family member.
- Drop! Pick a drop site convenient to your home or work.
- Cook! Use fresh ingredients each week to make meals at home.
- Farms may add a site if there is a minimum of 10-15 customers.
- Many CSAs provide recipes that incorporate a week’s harvest.
- CSAs are not always produce-based.
- Some have meat, cheese, eggs, flowers, and other products made from farmed produce or livestock. Other CSAs work cooperatively with each other to supply their shareholders’ needs. This might mean that a CSA provides produce, meat, eggs, and flowers while other products are brought in through other farmers.
