Slow Food's CSA Fair

The Community CSA Fair is coming to Niwot on Sunday, Feb. 2. at Fritz Family Brewers from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) member, Slow Food Boulder, is organizing this event to promote local, environmentally friendly, and organic food to encourage a healthier lifestyle.

The fair will support local farmers and producers, as different communities and farmers gather to showcase and provide their agricultural goods. By joining a CSA, participants can receive fresh produce either weekly or bi-weekly throughout the entire season. The produce is delivered in a box, and in some cases, customers can customize their selections by coordinating directly with their local farms.

CSA memberships also allow individuals to connect with farmers, providing an opportunity to ask questions about their growing practices-something vital for people seeking to better understand where their food comes from.

Organizing the event this year is Slow Food Boulder County board member Kelly Buenning. Buenning shared her hopes for the event, saying, "The CSA Fair gives community members the chance to meet their local producers and learn more about all the different food options available. Whether you're new to CSAs or you've had one for years, this event gives everyone the opportunity to learn more about how it works and to find the producer that works best for your specific needs and location."

She added, "Most CSAs offer a weekly variety of veggies and herbs, and many also offer fruit, flowers, eggs, meat, and bread options. I'm so excited to host the event this year, and I hope it's something we can continue to do year after year. It's been great to see how excited the farmers and community members are about the fair."

Jodie Popma, another Slow Food Boulder County board member, shared her excitement as well, focusing on the positive impact of the event. "My favorite part about organizing this event is the overwhelming positive response from both the community and farmers," Popma said. "For years, people have asked Slow Food about our favorite CSAs and how to learn about local farm offerings. By the time farmers market season begins, many CSAs are already sold out. When we discussed this idea at the BCFM Winter Market, the enthusiasm was incredible. We started with six farms, and now we're up to 19."

Popma highlighted the fair's purpose. "This event reflects what Slow Food is all about-fostering connections and strengthening our food community by supporting local farms, improving health, and boosting the local economy," she said.

She also emphasized the importance of eating locally. "Food grown here just tastes better. Growers know the climate, plant produce in healthier soil, and create food that's more delicious. Joining a CSA supports small, local farms and reduces your carbon footprint through less transportation and packaging waste."

Popma added that the fair "is a fun way to explore CSA options, meet farmers, and connect with others who share your passion for sustainability and local food. Whether you're new to CSAs or a seasoned supporter, it's a chance to deepen your relationship with your food and the people who grow it."

The Community CSA Fair is more than an opportunity to learn about fresh produce-it's a celebration of local agriculture, sustainability, and the vital connections between farmers and the community. Whether you're curious about joining a CSA for the first time or looking to renew your commitment to eating locally, this event offers the chance to connect, learn, and support a healthier and more sustainable food system.