Urbanites searching for the freshest local produce, dairy, and meat produced by local farmers can find it at Seward Co-op Grocery & Deli’s Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Fair on Saturday, April 21.
From 11am to 3pm, Twin Cities residents are invited to stop by Seward Co-op, located at 2823 E. Franklin Ave., to meet farmers, learn about CSA options, and select a CSA share. CSA members commit to buying a share of a farm’s harvest by paying up front for produce or other products throughout the growing season. Shares are usually delivered weekly to locations around the city — including Seward Co-op — where members may pick them up easily. Many farmers include the option for shareholders to buy shares of eggs, homemade bread, meat, cheese, fruit, flowers, or other farm products along with their veggies. Each grower offers a different package depending on the farm’s length of season, goods offered, labor costs, and drop-off locations.
“For the past 11 years, the Seward Co-op CSA Fair has brought thousands of community members a step closer to those who grow and produce their food,” Sean Doyle, Seward Co-op’s general manager, says. “Our co-op is committed to supporting a thriving local food economy and local farmers who produce food in an environmentally friendly way. By purchasing CSA shares, we help create our region’s agricultural sustainability. The connections these relationships forge are important to our way of doing business.”
As an increasing number of people nationwide discover the better taste and nutritional benefits of local food, CSAs are fast becoming a popular way for people to directly connect with local farmers.
While a typical CSA share costs $550 to $650, half shares and short-season shares are often available. Most typical shares include servings for a family of four each week throughout Minnesota’s growing season (June through October). Share purchases help cover a farm’s yearly operating expenses.
In addition to the local food provided, many CSA farmers work to connect shareholders to the farm and to one another. Most farms send newsletters that include recipe ideas and suggestions for using share ingredients. Others host events, such as berry pickings and potlucks, or encourage members to visit and work on the farm.
This year’s fair will take place, rain or shine, in Seward Co-op’s parking lot, 2823 E. Franklin Ave. in Minneapolis, under a tent in the store’s parking lot. For more information and a list of participating farms, visit here.
About Seward Co-op
Seward Co-op Grocery & Deli is a natural foods cooperative that has provided the community with the highest-quality products and services since 1972. We are committed to offering healthful, locally grown or raised organic foods and wellness products. This year, Seward Co-op celebrates 40 years as a community-owned business in the Seward neighborhood. More at www.seward.coop.
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