So you signed up for a CSA... now what?

So, you’ve signed up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) share—congrats! You’re about to enjoy a season of farm-fresh produce while supporting your local farmer.

But if you’re new to CSA, you might be wondering: What comes next?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered! Here are some simple tips to help you get the most out of your CSA box each week:

1. Mark Your Calendar

   Most CSAs operate on a set schedule (weekly or biweekly pickups). Add reminders to your phone or write it down so you don’t miss a box - and don't forget to note the pickup location!

   
   

2. Make sure you have the right tools

   CSA produce is fresh and sometimes unique, so make sure you have the right tools to make kitchen prep easier. You can find a comprehensive list here, but focus on the basics first: a sharp knife & cutting board, a sheet plan, a salad spinner, and a veggie peeler.

   
   

   Pro tip: check out second-hand stores or yard sales to find affordable options!

   
   

3. Learn how to store your produce

   Not all vegetables need the same storage: A few key tips:

   
   

   🥦 Leafy greens – Store in a damp towel or breathable bag in the crisper drawer.

   🥕 Root vegetables – Keep carrots, beets, and radishes in a container with water or a produce drawer (remove greens first - you can eat them, too!).

   🍅 Tomatoes & squash – Store at room temperature for the best flavor.

   🧅 Onions & potatoes – Keep in a cool, dark, dry place (not the fridge, and not together - keep onions and potatoes apart).

   📦 Many CSAs provide storage tips in their newsletters, so be sure to check!

   
   

   Here's a great resource on how to get a storage plan ready for your veggies each week.

   
   

4. Get to know your farmer

   Your CSA farm likely sends out newsletters, recipe ideas, or updates about what’s happening on the farm. Follow their social media, read their emails, and check if they offer farm visits or events.

   
   

5. Plan your meals around your box

   You'll get different veggies every week in your CSA share, so a little meal planning can help keep things calm in the kitchen (and avoid waste). Start collecting ideas on what you want to try - look for CSA-friendly recipes that help you use up multiple veggies in one dish (think stir-fries, soups, and salads).

   
   

   Need inspiration? Check out Cooking with our CSA for tons of great ideas on what to do with a CSA (and what pantry staples you'll need) or find a cookbook featuring lots of produce, like FairShare's From Asparagus to Zucchini or Farm-Fresh & Fast.

   
   

6. Get excited!

   Part of the joy of a CSA is the surprise factor - eating with the seasons and discovering new flavors. Embrace the adventure and celebrate the connection to your local farm!

Celebrating national apprenticeship week!

10 apprentices are graduating from our 2023 cohort in the Organic Vegetable Farm Manager Apprenticeship Program this winter, and National Apprenticeship Week seems like the perfect time to celebrate!

Our apprenticeship program is unique - it's the first registered apprenticeship for organic vegetable production in the country. Through the 18-month program, apprentices work side by side with experienced farmers to develop their skills and learn the ins-and-outs of what it takes to run an organic vegetable farm.

Learning from a farmer educator during an October field day

This collaborative relationship is extremely valuable for apprentice and farmer alike:

• “The Apprenticeship is competency based and very comprehensive. This, along with the expertise and mentorship of my farmer educator, allowed me to move from someone who knew nothing about farming to a very competent and confident novice at an accelerated pace. The apprenticeship structure also allowed me to apply my years of experience in leadership, team management, and process improvement on the farm in  ways that benefit the farm, the crew, and me!" ~ Amy, apprentice at Park Ridge Organics

  
  

• “The apprenticeship program has really benefited our farm in a multitude of ways - regulating our labor season to season, urging us to relinquish some responsibilities, allowing us to offer a competitive job position with room to grow, and also offering a support network between other farmer educators as well as from FairShare itself. A wonderful addition to any farm that wants to share their experience farming.” ~ Sarah, farmer educator at Squashington Farm

• “It has been such a great journey and gave me the confidence I needed to step into farm management. The OVFM Apprenticeship provided the solid structure I was hoping for to expand my knowledge base while allowing me to explore new areas. Farming involves such a dynamic skillset and mindset and coming up with a "standard" like this program has is no easy feat. Everyone comes in with a different level of understanding but with very similar goals and that is what makes it all work." ~ Brian, graduated apprentice and current farm manager and farmer educator at Gwenyn Hill Farm

  
  

• "The apprenticeship has extensively broadened my appreciation of the time, interdisciplinary effort and strength required to produce quality produce. The work is really challenging in all the best ways; I am amazed by the simultaneous complexity and simplicity of farming. The apprenticeship has been both extraordinarily practical and convivial. I am very grateful to cultivate relationships with both experienced vegetable growers and enthusiastic peers. It's incredibly empowering and equipping!“ ~ Susanna, apprentice at Springdale Farm

  
  

• “This program has completely changed my perspective on food, community, and work. I am so lucky to be participating in such a great program that is full of such wonderful, talented, dedicated, and supportive people.” ~ Calvin, apprentice at Winterfell Acres

  
  

• “The apprenticeship thus far has been a very rich experience. Grateful to be working with a brilliant cooperating farmer and to be finding so much wonder and new knowledge in the off season courses we’re taking. I’ve been farming a number of years and this apprenticeship reminds me that the learning never ends when it comes to farming!” ~Amirah, apprentice at Winterspring Farms

After this season, we will have graduated 24 apprentices since we celebrated our first graduated apprentices in 2021! Here are what a few of our graduated apprentices have shared about their journey after the program:

• “As an apprentice, the program allowed me to have a well-rounded learning experience while also getting paid to do farm work. The program, and the job book specifically, also allowed me to advocate for aspects of my training that might have been left out or overlooked if not for the accountability the job book provides. 

  
  

  As a farmer educator, the apprenticeship program really makes me think about the "why" of everything I do as a farm manager. I need to be able to not only demonstrate how, but also explain why I do things a certain way in the fields and in the office. I believe this is helpful for the apprentices as they learn about managing a vegetable farm, but maybe even more helpful for me, as it helps me constantly push myself to find better ways to do my job.” ~ Liz, graduated apprentice and current farm manager and farmer educator at Gwenyn Hill Farm

  
  

• “Amidst two years packed with mentors, resources, and on-the-ground experience, I realized that support was the taproot of the OVFM apprenticeship. The program resembles the resilient farmers I deeply know and care for: both prioritize local webs of support. I'm glad to move on carrying significant trust in our local farm community.” ~Emma, graduated apprentice at Squashington Farm (now working in local conservation)

• "My experience going from an apprentice to a manager was (and is) a very enlightening and fulfilling process. Having the first-hand experience of a first-year apprentice has allowed me to communicate more effectively and share valuable insights with the next generation of apprentices on our team. Now in a manager position I am excited to do whatever I can to build up the farmers coming after me and set them up for success.”  ~ Brian, graduated apprentice and current farm manager and farmer educator at Gwenyn Hill Farm

If you're interested in helping more future farmers get connected with this amazing program, here are three ways to do so:

1. Share this blog post about the program! Tell folks why you're excited about supporting the future veggie growers in our communities.

2. Make a gift to FairShare! Your contribution ensures the next generation of farmers can get the tools and training they need to thrive.

3. Email Sam (sam@csacoalition.org) with questions or comments, or if you are interested in participating in the program as either a host farm or apprentice! We're always happy to talk about our work.

Apprentices at a field day in October

2024: A year in review

As we celebrate National Philanthropy Day today (a day to recognize all the contributions of philanthropy and how it helps make an impact in our communities) I wanted to share a few thoughts on the past year.

I just brought home my first winter share CSA box this week, and as I was loading the squash, sweet potatoes and onions onto the counter, I felt so happy to be part of the CSA world. All throughout the year, it’s like a little gift you get to open once a week - always delicious, high-quality, vibrant and colorful, and full of surprises. I love getting excited about my favorite things that will pop up throughout the seasons (this box had black radish!).

Winter share from Winterfell Aces

Having the opportunity to enjoy this locally grow, farm-fresh food depends on:

• A thriving local community of farmers who support each other and their mental health and wellbeing;

• Eaters who value quality food, and are either able to pay for it or participate in cost assistance so it’s available to everybody;

• A healthy ecosystem cared for by us and resilient against the impacts of climate uncertainty we can’t control; and

• Technical knowledge about farming in an environmentally healthy manner, managing farm workers, and building a customer base.

These are all things FairShare helps cultivate!

In 2024 we provided record cost assistance to community members through Partner Shares, about $85,000. This was funded by generous donations during Bike the Barns and throughout the year. Every $300 donated supports one household for the entire growing season - so think about how far even a small donation goes!

We collaborated with HMoob (Hmong) farmers to increase market access and resources to invest in their farms. Across our farmer network, we hosted field days, workshops, webinars, and trainings throughout Wisconsin, Ohio and the entire Midwest!

In 2024, we were also able to update our vision, mission, and strategic plan. This will act as our north star as we continue to support the farms in our coalition, and helps guide us as we expand our services to small farms around the region and country.

Your incredible donations power this work. Investing in our local community is so important right now, and it’s a way we can make a real and concrete impact for our friends and neighbors. We are so, so lucky to count you as part of our community of supporters.

If you ever want to get in touch - please reach out. I love talking about our work and hearing from our supporters about what’s most important to them. Keep warm and toasty this holiday season, and may your cheese boards be filled with an abundance of local delights!

~ Clare, clare@csacoalition.org