CSA Box Economics 101
Whether this is your first box or your 30th, from time to time you may find yourself second guessing if you are getting a good value as a CSA member. After all, maybe you are close to a farmer's market or one of our farm stands where you can hand select all your favorites. Or perhaps your local grocery store is luring you in with coupons and the promise of fresh, local produce.
First, let’s look at some numbers. We recently traveled around to various retailers to compare prices, quality and selection, we could drop names, but instead we just averaged out the prices.
Here’s what we found (based on prices observed between July 10 - 19):
Our Price The Other Guys (average)
Yellow Wax Beans $3.00 lb. Not available
Bi Color Corn .75 each $1,00 each
Carrots $1.25 bu. $1.65 bu.
Summer Squash $1.50 lb. $2.25 lb.
Pickling Cucumbers $1.75 lb. Not available
Romaine Lettuce $1.25 ea. $1.85 ea
Texas Sweet Onion $1.25 lb. $1.65 lb.
Chard $1.25 bu. $2.25 bu.
Beets $1.50 bu. $2.49 bu.
Radishes .75 bu. $1.65 bu.
In fact, if you totaled up what you are receiving in this week’s box, it would probably cost you about $31.00 for a large box in one of those super market chain stores!
By the way, when was the last time that a grocery store threw in a few extra ears of corn or head of lettuce in your bag? When we have surplus we share the harvest with you - our members! For those that haven't noticed, if you added up the retail value of your box you would see that you are getting some extra items here and there beyond the box price! Just another way we try and say "Thank you" for being a CSA member and a loyal supporter of the farm.
And last, but certainly not least, there is what I like to call the “intangible” benefits of being a CSA member. The produce is super-fresh. Picked one day, delivered the next! There’s tons of variety - uncommon things you can’t find in most stores. Would you have tried a cherimoya or chard on your own? Not to mention what you are doing for the local economy and environment, and how about that community "spirit" you feel by being a part of our farm family.
So feel good about your box and pat yourself on the back - you're getting high quality produce for less!!
Posted by CSACulinaryFairy at 07-19-2011 
Categories: CSA Side Notes, Tips
Tags: Beets Radish Corn Carrots Squash Cucumber
Categories: CSA Side Notes, Tips
Tags: Beets Radish Corn Carrots Squash Cucumber
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