Through CSA, a consumer buys directly from the farmer for a full growing season. The produce harvested goes directly to the CSA members each week. Besides great produce, CSA farms provide the focal point for education and community building. Field days, work days, harvest festivals and celebrations provide the opportunity for urban families to share and learn together in a rural setting. Children have a very special place on the CSA farm.
Many farms offer activities organized especially for their young members.
It's never too early to begin a connection to land, food and farming, teaching our children how and where our food is grown. The Midwest, and the Madison area in particular, have proven to be fertile ground for CSA farms and communities. The first Madison area farms began in 1992 and by 1996 more than 4,000 area residents were CSA participants. One share is generally enough to feed a household of four or more. Half or partial shares are often available as well.