Eat your vegetables and support a local CSA

Last summer was the first time I signed up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) membership with a local farm. I had long debated about getting a vegetable share, but for various reasons, mostly owing to my frazzled memory, I missed the spring sign-up window. By the time I remembered my good intentions, CSA registrations were usually filled, and I would have to content myself with picking up local fare at the weekend Farmer's Market. Not a bad option, mind you, though I only would ever go sporadically.

However, having my first summer-long CSA was a whole different experience, and one I highly recommend. Getting a weekly bag full of vegetables meant that my fridge was always well-stocked up on greens. I had to get creative with my cooking and, yes, sometimes I had too many zucchini, but don't worry, I survived. The farm I joined, shout out to Cure!, even sent me weekly recipe ideas which was a fabulous way to try some new cuisine.

And overall, the quality of the produce was head-and-shoulders above anything I have ever bought from a big-box grocery store. I don't doubt that it was fresher and more nutritious too. Have you ever eaten grape tomatoes like candy? Neither had I until my first CSA.

Note: Niwot Market often carries seasonal produce from these local farms-this is a great way to try some of their offerings if you aren't sure if you want to commit to a summer-long CSA.

Plus, supporting a local farm was important to me. As I've learned more about our food system and the impacts of monocropping, large scale agricultural water use, grocery transportation costs, and food insecurity facing local communities, I wanted to invest in local farms that are helping shift the paradigm with ethical growing and distribution practices. The upfront cost of a CSA membership helps these farms pay for early season costs of farming such as seed, water, labor, equipment, and materials.

I also felt like part of a community. Going to pick up my vegetables each Wednesday, I was greeted by the same cheerful staff and saw other regulars. I got to watch kids feed the goats, and I got to spend a glorious half-hour outside at the farm stand each week hand-picking vegetables that, not too long ago, had been growing in the next field over.

Overall, having a CSA was a win-win for me. I ate healthier, and my dollars supported a local organic farm. If you're intrigued or have always wanted to try a CSA, here are a few local farms with open memberships. You have your pick of vegetables, fruit, meat, egg, and even coffee, wine, flowers, bread or cheese shares. And even if you aren't ready to commit to a full membership, you can always swing by their farm stand or shop their wares at the Farmer's Market to get a little taste of all the nutritious-and delicious-food they are offering.

Aspen Moon Farm

7927 Hygiene Road, Longmont, CO 80503 | [email protected]

When Aspen Moon Farm was founded in 2009, the farm totaled 2.5 acres. But it didn't stay small for long. The farm now consists of 99 acres with an approximate 25 acres in production. Their annual CSA supports over 900 members. The farm is USDA Certified Organic and has been practicing biodynamic agriculture from its beginnings which means the produce is 100% natural and bee-friendly, too. Aspen Moon offers a customizable summer share that allows you to pick and choose your weekly veg and a summer and fall farmer's choice share that gets you a mix of the week's best seasonal vegetables at a discounted price.

Cure Organic Farm

7416 Valmont Road, Boulder, Colorado, 80301 | [email protected]

A woman-owned, USDA-certified organic family farm, Cure grows over a hundred varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers. The farm also has a flock of laying hens, laying ducks, and heritage pigs. They abide by holistic animal management which includes pasture-raising the animals and using rotational grazing to promote soil health, microbial life, and healthy grass. Their nearly year-round offerings include produce, meat, and eggs. For 2022, Cure is offering three different sizes of vegetable shares as well as fruit, flower, eggs, and coffee shares. Details on their bread/pastry and wine/cheese shares are listed as coming soon.

Kilt Farm

8140 Oxford Rd, Longmont, CO 80503 | [email protected]

Founded in 2013, Kilt Farm is also USDA-certified organic and places special emphasis on soil biology. The farm uses compost tea, a living soil supplement made up of compost, molasses, kelp, and seawater, to build the soil biology. The result? Healthy plants and healthier eaters. This year, the farm is growing over 50 different vegetables and nearly 100 different varieties. Kilt Farm currently offers a regular and family-style CSA share and you can add on extra goodies like a fruit share, craft pasta, Hazel Dell mushrooms, or weekly flower bouquets.

Ollin Farms

8627 North 95th St, Longmont, CO 80504 | [email protected]

2022 marks Ollin Farm's 15th season. This family-owned farm grows a variety of fruits and vegetables and raises sheep, chickens, and honey bees. The farm operates on the principles of regenerative agriculture with the goal of producing top quality farm products while continuing to increase the diversity and health of the ecosystem. This year, Ollin Farms is offering three different sizes for their CSA membership with a variety of different pickup options to work with your schedule.

Red Wagon Farm

7694 North 63rd Street Longmont, CO 80503 | [email protected]

Red Wagon Farm has two farm locations-one in east Boulder on Valmont Road and the other north of Boulder near Niwot. In addition to finding their vegetables at the Boulder Farmers' Market and as part of their CSA, you'll also find their produce at local restaurants.Their crops are also USDA-certified organic, and for 2022, they are offering three different CSA options including a regular, large, and "Friends of Red Wagon" share.