In these weird, uncertain days, we are cooking and eating from home a lot more. Many families are turning to community-supported agriculture or CSA as a way to obtain fresh, in-season vegetables and fruit while supporting farmers and the local community. You agree to buy a share in the farm’s production and this stability allows local farmers to share their bounty with you over a season, literally. One such farm providing a service is Gale Livingstone’s Deep Roots Farm just south of us, in Brandywine, MD. Her produce has been used at the FoodPrints program at School Within School, where both my children have attended. Being part of a CSA allows you to directly support agriculture but it also fosters a sense of connectedness to the land, by understanding which fruits or vegetables are in season as they appear in your box.
A growing season is 10 weeks and it costs $300 per person or family. If you sign up for a whole growing year’s worth (April 30 – December 2), you pay the discounted price of $855. You can add items such as fresh poultry and fresh flowers as well. Currently, you can pick up your box from Deep Roots Farm at several farmers markets, including the H Street Farmers Market as well as the Petworth, Brookland and Mt. Pleasant Farmers Markets. Soon, you will be able to have your box delivered home for an additional charge.
You can read more details and sign up by clicking this link, deeprootsfarm.us/csa