CSA Weekly Boxes

Vicki’s Veggies launches new

Community Shared Agriculture Program for 2010

History of Community Shared Agriculture

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a concept that began in the 1960’s in Europe and Japan, when communities were losing valuable farmland and control of their food supply. It ensured the success of small farms though economic security, and it gave consumers a guaranteed food supply close to home that they could participate in. This concept has spread worldwide. In the early eighties when there were just two CSA’s in North America there are now thousands, ranging from small neighbourhood groups of two or three families, to large groups of 900 city-dwellers buying membership shares in a rural farm.

CSA relies on a relationship of mutual commitment between the farmer and the people. The farmer feeds the community, and in turn is supported, through membership fees and sometimes volunteer help. Members support the economic viability of a local farm and share in the inherent risks and potential bounty - and the farmers can concentrate on growing the food. Today’s industrial influences on agriculture and corporate distribution systems realize more profits for everyone but the farmer. CSA provides an alternative for the farmers and the consumers.

The CSA model helps reconnect people with the land that sustains them and gives shareholders the benefit of knowing how and where the food they eat is grown. Since most CSAs practice some sort of organic or ecological agriculture, people can participate in sustainable ventures in their communities and at the same time guarantee themselves a safe and familiar food supply.

New for 2010! - How Vicki’s Veggies CSA works

Early in the season, customers commit and purchase booklets of vouchers to redeem throughout the year. In turn, Vicki’s Veggies provides a variety of locally-grown fresh food throughout the growing season and cellared, dried and preserved foods in the off-season. Members can redeem vouchers for as much or little, of what they want, when they want it . This gives CSA members greater flexibility in satisfying their week-to-week needs.

With each booklet of “Veggie Bucks” purchased customers receive added value and also become CSA Members. The earlier they pledge their support to the farm, the more they realize in extra buying power. Vouchers can be redeemed at the farm’s roadside stand and the farmers market in Toronto, throughout the year. A new weekly newsletter gives customers a heads-up to what’s available each week along with helpful recipes and links to other interesting information.

Ecological farming practices give us the opportunity to produce food that is good for you and the environment. Our Community Supported Agriculture system fosters a healthy community and environment in a fundamentally sustainable way.

By becoming a shareholder in Vicki’s Veggies you are investing in the local economy, helping to build a community around food and agriculture, and contributing towards a a healthy environment. At the same time, you’re ensuring healthy food for yourself and the people you love!

Please contact us if you’re interested in becoming a member.