How It Continues to Connect Farms and Communities
As summer reaches its peak and CSA shares are in full swing, it’s a great time to explore the roots of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and why this model continues to thrive—especially as it evolves to meet the needs of today’s families.
A Look Back: The Origins of CSA
CSA programs began decades ago with a few core values in mind:
- Foster strong relationships between farmers and their local communities
- Create a direct line from farm fields to family tables
- Offer financial support to farmers in the winter when resources are limited but expenses remain high
- Build a community around fresh, seasonal food
In its early form, CSA members purchased a “share” of a farm’s seasonal output. This meant accepting both the rewards and risks of farming: when crops were plentiful, boxes would overflow with produce; in leaner weeks, there might be fewer items. It was a model built on trust, community support, and shared responsibility.
A CSA Model That Has Grown With Its Members
While the original CSA system laid the foundation, many farms have since updated their programs to better reflect the lifestyles and expectations of modern families. At Alstede Farms, the CSA has been thoughtfully reimagined to include full customization of weekly shares. Each Wednesday, team members assess what’s flourishing in the fields, and those offerings are presented to CSA members who then build their own boxes based on what they need and love most.
This shift toward customization helps households plan meals, reduce food waste, and stay excited about the fresh produce they’re receiving each week—all while continuing to support the mission behind CSA.
Why Join a CSA?
Becoming a CSA member is about more than just getting fruits and vegetables. It’s an investment in your health, your community, and the local economy. Here are a few of the lasting benefits:
- Eat in season: Enjoy produce at the peak of ripeness and flavor.
- Support local agriculture: Keep your food dollars within your community and help small farms thrive.
- Know your farmer: Strengthen your connection to where your food comes from and how it’s grown.
- Minimize your environmental impact: Cut back on long-distance food transport and excessive packaging.
Today’s CSA programs may look different than they did in the past, but the mission remains the same: to connect communities with the farm-fresh food grown in their own region. Alstede Farms is proud to carry on this tradition—now with the added benefit of convenience, choice, and a weekly reminder that good food starts at the source.
