What is a CSA?
CSA or Community Supported Agricultural is a growing trend across the country with people who like to know how their food is grown and where it comes from. Members join before the growing season begins, giving the grower the capital necessary to begin the season. Members receive a share of produce weekly starting in mid May and ending in October.
By supporting a small farmer you are contributing to your community and your health in many ways:
Protecting a small business that enhances, rather than degrades our beautiful Tennessee countryside.
Supporting your Local Economy 95% of food consumed in Chattanooga is shipped in from elsewhere. Those dollars are also on the next truck out of town!
Eating Certified Organic produce that is not genetically engineered.
Creating a niche which enables small farmers to compete in our world of ever increasing agriculture super business.
Building Community Developing important relationships by weekly access to local, high-quality, organic produce and eating with the season.
Education On how your family's food is produced, where it comes from, what it cost to produce, and who is responsible for producing it. Most want to know about the moral integrity of a family doctor or a child's teacher. What about the family farmer?
By joining this cooperative group you will re-establish a relationship between farmer and consumer. Out of this relationship arises a new freedom (from industrial agriculture), which ensures the survival of the small family farm and the health of your family.
More information about the SMF CSA:
· Signal Mountain Farm's CSA is a non-risk for the shareholder, because even in the event of a lost crop SMF will purchase vegetables from other farms to ensure customer satifaction.
· SMF's CSA runs 25 weeks starting in the middle of May and running through the middle of October.
· Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits.
· Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking.
· Usually get to visit the farm at least once a season.
· Find that kids typically favor food from "their" farm – even veggies they've never been known to eat.
· Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown
