Late-Season CSA Goodness

Wondering what to do once the farmers market closes and your summer CSA share ends? We talked to Madison Area Community Supported Agriculture Coalition (MACSAC) about a few late-season options for stocking up on storage crops, filling your holiday tables with local goodies, and holding on to farm fresh flavors as long as possible.

Edible Madison: What late-season CSA options are available, and what's the difference between each?

Kiera Mulvey, MACSAC: Often, fall shares will begin as soon as the summer shares are completed for the season in late October or early November. Holiday boxes offer large quantities delivered in time to prepare your Thanksgiving or December holiday meal menus. And storage boxes can come in one to four deliveries of larger quantities of items cured and ready to have a longer shelf life to feed your family through the winter.

EM: What's the advantage of participating in a late-season CSA option?

KM: Just like a summer share, joining a late season CSA share option will keep the cupboards stocked with the freshest flavors straight from the farm even in the depths of winter, when it can be difficult to find local food. In addition to getting top quality food, as a CSA member you are making a commitment to supporting local farm families, keeping your money in the local economy and building a strong, vibrant local food system.

EM: How does someone get their deliveries?

KM: Just as the share options differ from farm to farm, the delivery schedule and logistics will be unique to your specific farm as well. Usually farms will have both on-farm pick up and delivery site(s) in surrounding towns and cities. Once you've selected your farm, you will get regular communication directly from your farmer with detailed instructions on how, when and where to get your box.

EM: When and where do people need to sign up?

KM: There are usually some late season/storage boxes available into the fall, and many farms will still be offering storage or holiday shares in September and October. Sign up directly with the farmer, and soon, though, as some farms fill their sign-ups quickly with regular season members.

EM: How can someone find more information?

KM: If you’re a current CSA member, check with your farm to see if they offer late-season shares. MACSAC also makes every effort to tag the farms who offer some variety of late-season shares on our on-line farm list at www.macsac.org.