Eat Your Veggies

There are a couple of different meanings to the term “farmer co-ops.” One is referring to farmers’ offering shares of their produce. By buying a share or half share in the late winter or early spring (basically paying a flat fee up front) you can receive produce all growing season long. The farmer will bring you an agreed upon amount of produce each week, which is often determined by a set number of pounds. You get several kinds of vegetables each week. Some co-ops even offer eggs and other items in addition to vegetables.

If you think you are interested in participating in a local farm share, you need to start doing research now as many of these plans sell out quickly each year. If you go to your favorite search engine and search the term “shares in produce per week” you get several options from all over the country. In order to find local options, which is the only way this really works well, you need to add your location name to the search–”shares in produce per week Anytown State.” Another good search term is “community share agriculture.” You can also call your local extension office or college/university for information. Many colleges/university’s agriculture departments offer these services or may know of local farms’ offerings.

Buying a share in a local, small farm is an excellent way to support your local economy, help the environment and improve your health by eating a variety of fresh produce on a regular basis.

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