If you participate in a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, youll get just that.
Youll also likely develop a love of new and unusual veggies (radicchio, anyone?)
while you get the added benefit of saving money.
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Do you want to try this brilliant (and delicious) way to save money for yourself?
Heres what to know and do.
What Is a CSA?
The money is paid in advance of planting and harvest.
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
Ask one of these companies to help…
How Does a CSA Work?
Consumers pay in advance for the produce from a farm and it is delivered in a couple of ways.
The produce delivered is what is ready to be picked that week and each box will contain a variety.
Some CSAs let consumers say which fruits or veggies they dont want.
Since one of the goals is to cut waste, CSAs dont want to deliver what people dont want.
Though, primarily, consumers get what the farm is delivering.
Did you know?
you could also Google your local area and CSA farm or simply ask around.
Local farmers markets are a great source of farmers who may have CSA programs.
Some years have bumper crops, while other years are a little on the leaner side.
Thats just part of the deal.
You will usually sign up for a specific pick-up time and location when you buy your share.
Many CSAs offer a variety of pick-up dates and times.
You may also need to bring bags or boxes to weigh and sort your veggies.
More About Pros of Joining a CSA
Ready to sign up for a CSA?
Here are details about the benefits.
To save even more money, ask about volunteer opportunities.
Many farms allow people to volunteer on the farm in exchange for free vegetables or a discounted share.
You might find some arent to your liking (anyone have a good pea shoots recipe?
), but you may also find some new favorites.
Working on the farm is another good way to get to know fellow shareholders.
ensure youre aware of these potential drawbacks before you sign up.
Also, you may have to work into the CSAs schedule on when to pick up the bounty.
If you’re free to, look for a CSA that delivers.
Its easy to end up wasting food, even with the best of intentions.
Here are a few strategies to prevent or minimize the hassle.
You could evenmake your own root cellarin your backyard.
Janet Keeler is a senior editor at The Penny Hoarder and a longtime food writer.
Additional Penny Hoarder staff contributed to this report.
When you log into your bank account, how do your savings look?
Probably not as good as youd like.
It always seems like an uphill battle to build (and keep) a decent amount in savings.
But what if your car breaks down, or you have a sudden medical bill?
