Yesterday was our second week of distribution with the 24 week farmthisway CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). This is our 3rd year with the program and we are NEVER disappointed. Yesterday's lot included 2 gorgeous potted planters with varied plants in them, two patio tomato plants, a dozen farm fresh brown eggs, rhubarb (and a tasty sounding recipe for an orange rhubarb breakfast bread), and a box of herb plants (with info on how to care for them and what they are good for!). And I even ran into someone from high school, who I've kept in touch with on Facebook yesterday at the farm. She and her family had done a different farm experience last year, but based on my posts of the goodies we've received, they are trying farmthisway this year, and two weeks in, really loving it already.
With June on the horizon, my family is looking forward to the Member Solstice Strawberry Social. Marty and Carolyn Rosiek (And their son Eric who will be running the South Buffalo Market on Sundays this year), our farm family, are planning a fun evening for the members to gather, eat, enjoy music and a fire, and I even heard rumors of 200 Chinese lanterns that are to be released!
I can't say enough how much our family loves being a part of this CSA. Once you are a part of the CSA, you become part of a family of sorts. For instance, the rhubarb and recipe actually came from another member who wanted to share with the "family". It is so much more than just a farm share. It is a learning experience, with recipes and information on canning and freezing. It is a community builder, with members helping members, farmers helping members and members helping farmers. It is a family.
You don't have to be a CSA Member to experience this however (although I recommend it!) Stop out at the farm in Brant, or one of the farmer's markets Hamburg on Saturdays, South Buffalo (Caz Park) on Sundays and Blasdell (Ilio DiPaolo's Lot) on Wednesdays, and check out all of the great ways that you can farmthisway.
