CSA!!

I am happy to report that after many years of hemming and hawing, I joined a Community Supported Agriculture farm (CSA)(Actually 3)! The first CSA that me and my family joined is for grass-fed, organic, locally produced meat. A meat CSA. I know, it's weird. I am not a big meat eater, I seldom eat it. But I am not going to lie, I love bacon. If it wasn't for bacon, I could be completely vegan at anytime. Anywho... the meat CSA delivers once a month a package of specialty cuts beef and pork along with all beef hot dogs with no nitrates or fillers and of course the world's best bacon. This is something new for us. As a family we have bought a quarter of a cow before. Let me just say, it was totally not worth it for us. It ended up being a little lame. The CSA however, allows us plan meals and eat top quality product for a reasonable price. The CSA we joined has been worth every penny so far! It's true, you really can taste the difference.

Secondly, and more exciting for me is that we joined a vegetable CSA! I actually had the opportunity to meet the two women who own and run this farm years ago when I was a student. I would see them run though offices on campus, making these wonderful vegetable deliveries. Of course as a grad student, that was out of my budget. Years later I looked them up and lucky for me and my family they are still farming organically and making deliveries weekly in my St. Paul neighborhood! Although they have already made three deliveries, we signed up late... so yesterday was our first.

I opened up my linen package to beautiful colors or herbs, sprouts and lettuces and the most gorgeous asparagus you have ever seen. I don't even like asparagus and it was amazing! My kids ate it raw. Last night at dinner we ate our fancy meal of sirloin and t-bones with freshly grilled asparagus. Yummy. All the boys dug in, they loved it. And... we got some bonus good news from our favorite gals at the farm, the boys can come out any time and check out the farm! The all went bananas for that. (it reminded me of going to the farm in Hartford, Wisconsin when I was kid. It was the dreamiest place for a city kid like me)

The third CSA I joined because I wanted fruits. I joined one that will deliver fruits and freshly cut flowers. First delivery will be next week. My biggest hope for the summer is that receiving fresh, organic fruits, vegetables and even the meat will help encourage my family to eat better and dive into the fruit and veggies.

We are all looking forward to a summer of CSA fresh, organic goodies! I am tracking our expenses to determine how my household did and what we spent for all groceries during the summer. Quick facts: I have a family of five, three CSA memberships, and a lot of coupons and sale shopping for the rest! The race to budget is on!

If you are interested in joining a CSA for the summer, there are plenty that are still accepting members.  Follow this link to review MN and WI CSA's that deliver to your area, trust me it's a great investment!
MN CSA's

Happy Friday! Just remembered, Friday is VIP day at Unique! take your card and get a discount on all items in the store.

Freddie