We didn't mind taking a chance on the productivity of a local farm. We were a little unhappy to receive foods we didn't care for and the waste that entailed (even if it was composted). Even more difficult to adjust to was not knowing what we were getting until it showed up.

We much prefer shopping local at our farmer's market, buying foods we will eat, and being able to plan meals ahead of time.

A CSA can be a positive experience if you ask some questions first before joining. If you're not sure you want to commit to buying vegetables for an entire season, for example, ask whether you can pay week by week. The CSA I was in last year had a pay-as-you-go plan, which was wonderful because even though I signed up for the half-share plan, I still received quite a bit of food and often didn't need to buy food every week as I had plenty from the previous week. Also, ask whether you are allowed to trade food that you know you won't eat for food that you like. My local CSA had a "trade table" on which you could exchange a vegetable you didn't want for one that you did. The organizer of that same CSA also sent a weekly e-mail several days before pick-up letting members know the types of foods that would be offered that week. Then, on the night of pick-up, recipes were available for several of the foods included in that week's share. I know that I wouldn't have known what to do with kale had I not picked up a recipe for it. Any other concerns you might have about a CSA should be addressed before you make a commitment for the season. You still might encounter problems or concerns even after you join, but at least you should have a fairly good idea of what you're getting into.

We need to learn that we can't have what we want when we want it.It is called growing up.We need to learn to eat locally,because the day is coming when that is all that is going to be available,due to the cost of oil,transportation cost,global warming,pollution,lack of water,and unsafe foods from other countries that don't have the same food safety laws as we do.
 Get involved now or wait until it is too late and you and your family are in trouble.Learn to garden on your own land or if in the city there are community gardens.Learn and fight against genetically engineered food,and irradiated foods.Learn to take care of yourselves.Think,Plan,and Execute!

This will be my fifth year, I think, of belonging to our local CSA; I was lucky enough to get in on their first year and have loved it ever since. For someone to hates to shop--even at our food co-op and farmers market (well, I don't hate them entirely)--this is perfect for me. I don't have to decide which foods to buy or what dishes to make. I just take what is offered and go from there. I love the wide selection of vegetables they grow, the more unusual and exotic, the better. The tastes are fresh and wonderful, allowing me to introduce new produce to my grandchildren. I've gotten to know the farm families who grow our food, and it especially warms my heart to know I'm helping young, enthusiastic local farmers make a living. Did I mention organic, or did you, Umbra? This is another good part--no pesticides ruining our environment and health. What's not to love about CSAs, with "community" being the best part.