I've wrestled with the thought that it was time for me to give up the CSA off and on since we moved out of town. Instead of being able to bike there if desired, I now have to drive and it's a long haul - over 20 miles one way.
I kept going for a number of reasons. The food is grown locally and organically by a farmer who pays and treats his workers fairly. The food is tasty and fresh, reminiscent of what came out of the family garden when I was growing up. I earn my share by volunteering so it is good for the budget. I've made friends through the CSA and enjoy a friendly casual relationship with many members whose names I don't even know but whose faces I enjoy seeing each week.
It's hard to consider giving this up. But, the drive lately has become longer and more challenging with the annual influx of winter visitors and increased holiday traffic. It often takes me up to an hour, each way, to get to and from the CSA. With my crazy schedule lately, it's been hard to give up that much time, especially when there is a farmers market half that distance from home.
Although I'll have to dig out my hard-earned cash for the farmers market, it will be much easier to get there. If I dig the bike out of storage and charge up the battery for the electric assist, it's feasible I could make the trip without burning any gas at all. After almost three years with the CSA, too, I'm looking forward to the opportunity to choose what I'm going to eat for the week instead of accepting - usually happily - whatever is available from the farm.
I hope to get to know the local vendors over time at the farmers market and perhaps form some new friendships with people that live closer to home. I also hope that I don't pass too quickly out of the memories of those I've known at the CSA. I've got several more weeks there to finish out this session and have already started letting the other volunteers and some of the members know so that my absence won't be unexpected. I am vain enough to hope that I will be missed, and not just because of the volunteer work I do.
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8 comments:
Chile,
I'm sure you will be missed! I considered giving up the CSA for next year (ours has finished already) since during the height of summer we have so many beans and tomatoes and lettuce it seems like too much food, but then once it's fall I'm so glad I have it since our garden is done and the CSA is not. I lucked out though, since they were looking for another pickup spot in my town, so next season I'm going to host a pickup which means I get my share for free, in exchange for minimal work getting the share setup and distributed. Not to mention I don't have to drive anywhere to pick it up. I don't think I'd ever be able to drive as far as you do - I don't blame you for switching to the market. Plus it will be nice never to have to eat more turnips than you want!
Amusing and interesting to read that you have an influx of winter visitors when we are just the opposite. Only a crazy person would want to come here in winter (Canada's Atlantic coast) but our summers are magnificent.
With so many changes in your life, this is another door that has closed so that you can open another... I know that you will be missed because (if, for not other reason) you have the most beautiful heart and care so deeply about the world around you. There may be an opportunity at the farmer's market that will help you work out a discount of some kind... Will keep my fingers crossed... Come visit when you can...
It is not vain to want to be missed where you have put some heart and work into a place. I'm sure you will be missed.
It would really be more gas cost effective if I went to the local farmer's market and not the CSA drop off point, but I don't drive nearly as far as you.
Like you and I think JAM said, it will be nice to pick what you want instead of having too many of some things, like those turnips!
peace, shamba
We don't have csa round here so its the farmers market or the local fruit and veg shop.
btw it was that tinge of defeatism that got me worried but you seem to have made a recovery :)
viv in nz
JAM - the CSA here is year-round, and I'm pretty sure the farmers markets are as well. (Hope so!) Luckily, I was always able to trade the turnips in my share for something else. Cannot stand purple-top turnips, although I do like the Hakurei little white turnips.
Olivia - well, quit sending your folks here when it gets cold up there! ;-)
Sharlene - naw, my heart is all black and crusty like a burnt chile pepper. I don't want to commit to any new volunteer work for a while. I need a rest.
Shamba - I'm really looking forward to spending less time driving for my produce. As soon as we can figure out a way to secure our Xtracycles at the house, we'll keep them here and I'll start riding more so I can work up to making the shopping trips by bike again.
Viv - well, we sure feel like we've been defeated in the pursuit of our dreams. We'll see what happens next.
I'm going to miss you! Who else will talk me into a lifetime supply of cheesecloth? …. Not to mention keep us organized and in ship-shape.
Your fellow CSA volunteer, Lori
Aw, thanks, Lori...I'm sure ya'll can find another volunteer who's as anal-retentive as I am and will keep the place all nice and pretty.
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