Is anyone part of a cooperative with fresh produce?

I am just wondering if anyone participates in something like this and if so can you give me some feedback. I am thinking of doing this but I don't think there is anything local to where I live. I am wondering if I do find something local what others' experiences have been. Are the vegetables totally off the wall or are they pretty mainstream? Do you feel like you get a lot for the money or less than if you just went to the market and shopped organic for yourself? TIA

Message edited 4/12/2013 7:59:16 AM.

Re: Is anyone part of a cooperative with fresh produce?

Yes! I joined a CSA (community supported agriculture) about 5 years ago. Each week (June-November) I pick up a box of produce locally. For the most part, the veggies are fairly mainstream, although there are a few that are a little more obscure /challenging to use. I think it is cost effective (the cost comes out to about $28/week). I still have to grocery shop, but I spend less there as I build my meals around whatever came in my farm share that week. It definitely forces me to be creative sometimes, but I usually don't mind that. I love it, which is why I keep signing up. I also did a winter share (once an month through the winter) through a different farm. If you have any questions, I would be happy to answer them. If you're on Long Island, there are a few local farms that have CSA programs

Golden Earthworm

Garden of Eve

Message edited 4/12/2013 11:06:20 PM.

Re: Is anyone part of a cooperative with fresh produce?

I've considered it, but between feedback of some of the ladies on here (i.e. getting a box full or rhubarb) and the fact that we tend to do well with our garden in the summer, I've decided that it's not worth it.

I think if everyone in your family is a huge veggie eater and you love to cook from scratch, it may also be worthwhile.

Re: Is anyone part of a cooperative with fresh produce?

Thank you for sharing your experiences. There seems to be nothing local to me in Lindenhurst on Long Island. There are some great weekend, open markets that are pretty local to me. Maybe I will just plan to frequent one of those every weekend. I do also plant a garden....so maybe I will vary what I plant.