As the trees turn green and my wife and I prepare to transfer our seedlings into the garden, I’ve found myself wanting to sign up for a share in a Community Supported Agriculture program. Having a weekly supply of fruits, vegetables, herbs and meats would be great. I see that Best of What’s Around is full up for the season, so they’re out. Does anybody have any experience with area CSA programs? Any recommendations?
News and meta-news about Charlottesville, VA, since 2001.
Sideblog
Police announced this afternoon that their investigation into what was initially believed to be a fatal fire on Rugby Avenue is now a homicide investigation. #
The Virginia Supreme Court has denied George Huguely’s appeal. His second-degree murder conviction will stand, WRIC reports. #
In a carefully worded story, and not citing specific sources, WTVR reports that forensic evidence belonging to Jesse Matthew Jr., the main suspect in the disappearance of Hannah Graham, matches forensic evidence collected during the investigation of Morgan Harrington’s 2009 murder. #
In the wake of Hannah Graham’s disappearance, and the evidence that came from private security footage, city officials are revisiting the question of installing security cameras on the downtown mall. #
Both Charlottesville Registrar Sheri Iachetta and former Electoral Board member Stephanie Commander have turned themselves in to the police on
foursix and four felony counts of embezzlement, respectively. #Ten years ago, the National Institutes of Health budget doubled and schools like the University of Virginia built massive new research facilities. A decade later, those buildings remain largely underutilized. NPR visits UVA in this story on the effect of federal binge and spurge spending in the sciences. #
In 2012, Council approved a new student housing complex on West Main—now some council members are questioning whether what they were shown matches what was built. #
The Architectural Review Board has approved a bike-themed mural on West Market, below the McGuffey Art Center, although at least one member expressed concerns that it might look like the bicyclists were riding away from Charlottesville’s downtown. #
City Police Chief Tim Longo is meeting with city leaders to work on protocols regarding the use of military surplus police weapons in Charlottesville. #
A 100-year-old Colonnades resident received military honors for her service in the WWII Women’s Army Corps #
-
Archive for Sideblog »
Waldo,
I’ve done a couple Dish’s on CSAs…Best of and one called Ploughshares. There is also another one out there called Horse and Buggy Produce…here are the links:
Ploughshares(bottom of page)
http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2006/02/16/dishitalyonmain.html
Best of
http://www.readthehook.com/stories/2006/01/26/foodthedish.html
Horse and Buggy Produce
http://www.horseandbuggyproduce.com
I participated in Best of What’s Around’s program last year. The good news is that you get plenty of fresh, organic produce for a fair price and support the local agricultural economy at the same time.
For it to work, you’ve got to be open to trying new foods and be prepared to build your weekly menu around whatever crops are coming in. It was fun for me. Once I picked up my box of produce, I’d go home and find recipes to make the best use of my ingredients. When soybeans came in, I snacked on edamame. When black-eyed peas were ripe, I made hoppin’ john. The baby beets and tiny carrots made delicious salads.
Go for it. (And be sure to share any excess produce that you can’t eat fast enough.)
I had a very good experience last year with Appalachia Star farm (http://www.appalachiastar.com/index.htm) and signed up again this year. They’re full up too, tho’.
Harry is very wise to advise you to be ready to cook seasonally. I’d add to his remark:
“And be sure to share any excess produce that you can’t eat fast enough.”
that you can also take the opportunity to learn to put up food for the winter. Proper drying and safe canning techniques are good skills to have, especially for a gardener.
You may want to stop by the City Market and ask farmers there if they know of anyone running a CSA who still has open shares. It’s pretty late in the year, but you never know.