Veg-Tastic Seattle's Top Five CSA's
Seattle loves its fresh veggies. Pike Place Market is the oldest continually operating farmers market in the United States, and just about every neighborhood boasts its own colorful weekend farmer's market. Our area also supports some of the healthiest Community Supported Agriculture programs in the country.
Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a socio-economic model of food production that benefits small farms and the communities which support them. People purchase shares or membership in the farm of their choice, and in return receive a weekly box of goodies during the growing season, sort of like buying stock--but the return on investment is more immediate and way more enjoyable. CSA's also benefit the environment by drastically reducing the carbon footprint of produce flown halfway across the world by large-scale agribusiness. One last benefit is the tight network of organic producers that has resulted from the growth of the CSA model.
Since all CSA programs are different, and to cover the basics (do they deliver? can I order substitution?), I've created a key with every description.
KEY:
Locally Sourced: More than 50% of produce is sourced from a farm or farms in Western WA
Seasonal: Due to Washington's location on the globe, harvest season typically runs from June-October.
Online Sign Up: Can you sign up to be a member online?
Substitutions: Is it possible to make substitutions to weekly deliveries if you know there is something you can't eat?
Vacation Holds: If you will be away for a week or two, is it possible to pass on the delivery and not be charged, without having to cancel your subscription?
Delivery/Drop off: Delivery is home delivery. Drop off means it is dropped off in a neighborhood location for convenient pick up.
Cost: Most CSA's charge up front or by the month (shares); others charge by the week.
Phew. Now, finally, we bring you the top five CSA's in our area, chosen from among Seattle Weekly reader recommendations:
Location Info
Venue
Pike Place Public Market
Map
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