CSA has become a buzzword amongst healthy living circles. But do you know what a CSA is, or how one works? 

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. In essence, a CSA is a farm-based food co-op that is sustained by the investment and help local residents.

To prepare for the growing season, a farm (often family run) will sell shares of their harvest in advance. This allows the farm to have a surplus of funds to purchase seed, farming equipment, and provide employees with their pay. In return, members of the CSA will receive the bounty of the harvest throughout the high yield season, usually from spanning from Spring into late Fall.

Benefits of CSA's

As a member of a CSA, you can take advantage of many benefits. The greatest benefit is receiving an array of fresh fruits and vegetables on regular basis, often times weekly. Most CSA's put everything they have available during the time of season and present each member with their share of the harvest in large crates, bins, or boxes.

In addition to reaping the benefits of having fresh produce at your disposal (from a local farmer,) many CSA's encourage members to participate in events and or "harvest gatherings." During these gatherings, both members and farmers put some work into the farm, and often enjoy a bountiful, yet healthy meal together.

As a CSA member, you will most likely being eating more fruits and vegetables, and a greater, seasonal variety from each harvest. This alone offers amazing health benefits, for most CSA's advocate organic growing practices and offer an extensive supply of foods in which some individuals are not accustomed to consuming.

The wealth of having a substantial supply of locally grown produce automatically promotes healthier eating. CSA members will most likely be introduced to new produce, which can mean experimenting with new recipes and flavors. In addition, members can often save money because the investment provides an incredible supply of food that greatly exceeds what one would spend over time at super market.

CSA patronage supports local business and provides you with a wonderful supply of healthier foods. As an added bonus, you can experience the community aspect of joining Community Supported Agriculture, and meet new, like-minded people.

To learn more about the advantages of Community Supported Agriculture and to find a CSA near you, visit localharvest.org.

Organic foods are being recommended more and more based on their diverse, beneficial aspects to society. The need to promote environmental conservation around the globe ushered in the concept of going green to control the increasing cases of environmental degradation.

A Healthier Way of Life

Notably, eating habits contribute to a large part of our health conditions and ability to maintain ideal fitness. From this perspective, campaigns around the globe to promote organic eating are rampant. The activities are geared towards educating the public on the importance of eating organic food with respect to their health.

According to conducted research, organic eating is pivotal in promoting good healthy living as well as contributes to remarkable implications in many areas throughout the globe. Organic eating can be considered from either direct correlation to health and fitness or indirect implications associated with production of organic substances around the globe. 

Evaluating specific benefits of eating organic substances gives numerous aspects that contribute to healthy living. Eating organic food enables one to benefit from natural occurring nutrients in the vegetables or fresh fruits. The fact that eating organic exposes one to natural nutrition intake, and not artificially preserved or pesticide promoted, enables an individual to sustaining a healthier lifestyle.

No Artificial Pesticides or GMO's

Production of organic foods discourages application of artificial pesticides. On this ground, eating organic food eliminates the risk of consuming residues from pesticides and experiencing health complications based on the applied pesticides. Therefore, eating organic foods plays a significant role in reducing health risks associated with consuming pesticide residues.  

Eating organic frees the body from risks associated with hydrogenated fats, artificial colors and flavors. Also, based on the production methods, eating organic eliminates growth of hormones or experiencing health complications associated with unnatural chemicals. The concept of genetically modified food is highly discouraged in organic farming. The fact that long term effects of genetically modified food on health issues are not clear, the best alternative is avoiding their consumption.

Local Sustainability

Organic foods offer the body the needed substances or nutrients to carry out daily activities as well as perform at optimal conditions. The fact that organic foods are produced at natural conditions, without application of artificial chemicals, promotes more holistic farming, which can focused on a more local level.

Eating organic food promotes and supports farmers who specialize in organic farming practices. This is particularly advantageous for communities that thrive on local produce. The fact that organic production is based on natural conditions without application of artificial of organic pesticides helps in sustaining in environmental conservation. Moreover, eating organic results in a heightened demand for locally-produced foods, because pesticides and preservatives are not used to prolong the freshness of such goods.

On this ground, eating organic contributes to large part in safeguarding earth’s natural resources and improving the lifestyles of many individuals.