Checked out your local CSA options lately?

Family and friends complaining about the cost of local or organic produce?  Direct them to their nearest CSA (community supported agriculture). 

Photo: Laryssa Wirstiuk, The Jersey City Independent

It's a great way for consumers to buy seasonal from local farmers.  Every week or so during the season, CSA participants received a large box of vegetables or fruit from their farmer.  Singles don't tune out.  There are many CSAs that offer reduced portions for smaller households.  Also, consider sharing your order with a friend or co-worker.  CSAs are also great for farmers because they can better plan their seasonal crops and proudly share their labor of love with their neighbors in the surrounding community.

A friend of CG suggested we check out Garden State organic produce from Purple Dragon Organic Food Coop.  Not sure where to go to find local produce in your area?  Check with Local Harvest for CSAs, coops and farmers markets near you.  They have a helpful directory that will allow you to search by city, state or zip code.  Happy munching!

Green Health, Fitness and Nutrition Solutions Contd.

Stock Up on Fruits and Veggies

Eating produce is a safe, healthy way to lose weight while feeling full and satisfied.  Sustainably grown fruits and vegetables provide healthy food for consumers while focusing on humane plant and animal production, including healthier work environments for farmers and agricultural workers. 

Farmer in the dell: Don’t forget to swing by your local farmers market.  Buying local produce gives you and your family healthy food while supporting local businesses and reducing your carbon footprint.  

• Eat Well Guide:  Enter in your city and state or zip code to find farmers markets and healthy food stores nearest to you.

For everything there is a season: Remember to eat items that are in season.  Nothing tastes better than summer berries or winter citrus!  Produce that is in season is better for you and for the environment.  Off-season items are often shipped in from far off locations, which means you pay more in the store and more energy is spent getting the fruit or vegetables to you.  See below for guides to seasonal fruits and vegetables:

• seasonal chef: lists some of the best items available in farmers markets nationwide.

• LocalHarvest: maintains a public nationwide directory of small farms, farmers markets, and other local food sources. 

• seasonal cornucopia: helps Pacific Northwest restauranteurs, gardeners, and foodies find the freshest local foods.