On Friday, February 24^th, Greater Newark Conservancy will join other farms from around the country for the third annual CSA Day, when locals are encouraged to join the Conservancy’s CSA.

CSA (community-supported agriculture) is a subscription to a season’s worth of sustainable, locally grown produce that is distributed to members throughout the harvesting season. Joining them is touted as a way to consistently prepare and eat healthy foods, support local agriculture, promote environmental sustainability, and learn to cook with novel ingredients.

When people sign up for CSAs, their investment allows small farmers to continue growing on a scale that may not be sustainable without the CSA model. In turn, CSA members can avail themselves of fresh fruits and vegetables and support local farms.

According to Small Farm Central’s CSA Farming Annual Report, the most popular time to join a CSA each year is at the end of February. To promote this important time for farmers, CSA Day was coined, and each year it falls on the last Friday of the month. With an influx of signups, CSA farmers can earn revenue when they need it most for the growing season.

Becoming a member of the Conservancy’s Youth Farm Stand CSA is different from going to a farmers’ market or using a grocery delivery service to buy produce. As a Youth Farm Stand member, locals make a seasonal commitment to urban agriculture in Newark, and get produce harvested and packed by Newark Youth Leadership Project interns. In this way, they’re able to both purchase locally grown food and support greening and job training initiatives in Newark.

Those interested in supporting Greater Newark Conservancy’s Youth Farm Stand Membership can sign up for a share on February 24th or 25^th. Those who sign up are encouraged to use the hashtag #CSAday, and each member who signs up for the Youth Farm Stand Membership will also receive a free, BPA-free Conservancy water bottle.

To sign up for the Youth Farm Stand Membership CSA for the 2017 season, those interested can do so online or email Emmanuela Mujica at emujica@citybloom.org for more information. CSA payments can be made by cash, check, or credit card.

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