Where it all began - CSA

I've now been receiving sub boxes for about 2 months now. I was wracking my brain trying to figure out what got me started on this "surprise" box obsession besides the obvious. I mean who doesn't love getting gifts in the mail? All we ever get these days in the mail is bills, and even they come few and far between now with the ability to pay everything online, so a pretty fun-filled package is always welcome.  

However, I think I've discovered my first version of a subscription box and why it got me interested in seeing what else was out there.

Community Supported Agriculture.

What's that, you may ask. It's a wonderful concept that supports local farmers. The basic premise is that you buy a share of a farm, and for a set number of weeks you get an offering of farm-fresh goodies to enjoy.

Mike and I are in no way health nuts. We don't eat the best choices a lot of the time, and I don't think we'd recognize a piece of gym equipment if one laid down in front of us and said, "run on me!" However, we are becoming more and more aware of the junk that's put into our food, even fruits and vegetables and thought this would be a great opportunity to try something new and get some great quality foods in the process. We are meat eaters, although we eat much less now. However, we want the steak on our plate to have enjoyed life prior to being our dinner so we attempt when possible to buy grass fed, free range meats. We by no means have it all down, but we are a work in progress!

The CSA has completely transformed how we eat. We now eat tons of veggies with every meal, further reducing the amount of mean on our plate, and even eliminating rice much of the time. We live on stir-frys and are losing weight and feeling much healthier. Where Mike used to take frozen lunches to work, he can now take delicious salads made with straight-from-the-farm lettuce and whatever other goodies arrive that week.

Our CSA is a little on the pricey side, but we think it's well worth it. For 26 weeks this year we get 8 fruits and veggies a week, a loaf of bread and a dozen eggs. If you're in Maryland, check them out. It's Breezy Willow Farm and they are based in Howard County. Everything we have tried has been great, and we have been exposed to veggies we didn't know existed, let alone how to prepare them, but we are learning. Once a week we go to a local location (or the farm if you choose), and pick up the offering. There are also herbs available to take.

The farm also offers a work-share program so for a set number of hours work on the farm, you get a share for free. I figure it works out about $35 a week for our share, and we more than make that up on the money we are saving at the grocery store not buying fruits, veggies, eggs, bread and frozen lunches. Additionally, we really feel like we are giving back and helping to support our local farmers. Our CSA also teams up with other farms to make sure we get a great offering each week, so if there are no good fruits ready here, they'll bring some in from neighboring states. I love that they think of us, and the variety we are seeking.

We've also been introduced to the best bread we've ever had. They offer a Rosemary Lavender Foccacia bread that I now have to make sure I arrive to my pick up early for, just to make sure I get this loaf of bread. My marriage depends on it!

Make sure if you are thinking of joining a CSA to read reviews. I have friends who have not so great farm offerings, so be sure you are getting the best quality you can. Additionally, you can often purchase half shares, and if that's not available, team up with a friend or other family and split the weekly offering.

If you are interested in Breezy Willow Farm's CSA, check them out here.