The quest for affordable organic produce in the Philadelphia suburbs has been brought to a screeching halt. Those who searched, petitioned, or even prayed for a community friendly local operation to offer healthy and sustainable groceries can safely say their efforts payed off, and the results will be seen in several counties. Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative (LFFC), a non-profit organic farmers’ cooperative based in Lancaster County, PA, is bringing fresh, organic produce to neighborhoods in Berks, Bucks, Chester, Delaware and Montgomery Counties. The co-op serves individuals and families through its Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program.
So maybe you’re not an enthusiast but you’ve heard the word “co-op” tossed around a few times and you know it is something good, but how does it work exactly? Members of the program purchase a subscription before the season begins. This purchase helps to support the farm operation when start-up costs are highest and farm income is at its lowest. In return for the investment, members receive a weekly box of fresh, nutritious, high quality produce at an affordable price. Everything is grown locally, so members are assured the food is sourced from a transparent farmer who is farming ethically and sustainably. Get a jumpstart on your produce fixin and contact CSA today. The deadline to receive a share for the first week of the season is Friday, April 20th.
In addition, not only is the CSA model advantageous to the farmer, it makes organic produce more affordable to the member. This is commonly referred to as a “win-win” and you will like your stake in things. CSA members will see their weekly food costs drop 2 to 4 times the amount paid in a grocery store. The 2012 Spring/Summer Full Vegetable Share contains 7-12 items in each delivery, at a price of $29.00 per week. Additionally, because the produce is fresher (usually picked only one day before delivery), the food will keep longer, and will maintain maximum levels of beneficial nutrients.
Suburban neighborhoods will be served by LFFC during the upcoming Spring/Summer growing season. Shareholders can pick-up their CSA at a neighborhood pick-up site, once weekly, during a designated pick-up window of approximately four hours. A complete list of available locations as well as registration is available on the co-op’s website, and the season will begin the first or second week of May (depending on weather).
For further information, please contact Evan Miller at 717-656-3533 or [email protected].
