Why I Love Our CSA ---> Exceeded Expectations, Cool Experience, Amazing Food

For those of you in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area, if you're not a part of the CSA, you're truly missing out on the most amazing, fresh, organic produce ever.

The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) I wrote about previously is better than I ever imagined. I'm absolutely thrilled (and so very proud!) to be a part of this within my community. When I was a regular shopper at the farmer's market, I thought I "got" how cool it was to buy my weekly produce from a certified organic, local farmer. But, I had no idea my experience was going to be taken to new heights once I was a part of Doug's CSA. My connection to my food is that much stronger and, frankly, it moves me. Every bite is special because I know it was grown close to my home, it's carbon footprint is minimal, it's loaded with nutrition because it's locally grown and just picked, and I helped finance the farmer (way cool!). I've had an important part in helping this farmer grow.

On top of all that, the price is awesome (and remember... it's ORGANIC!)! And, get this... he even offers a payment plan for those of you who are super excited about this opportunity but don't have the upfront cash. Not only that, but Doug's CSA is year round! Do you realize how lucky we are to have a year round CSA? This is not common in other parts of the country.

Before I joined the CSA, I actually didn't think I'd ever be a part of a CSA because most are operated with the program giving you a box of produce that you don't select yourself. For me, I thought that might be a waste in some instances because I wasn't sure I'd end up using all of the produce. I'm quite particular about my weekly shopping list. However, Doug's CSA is different! Each week he emails the members an excel spreadsheet that serves as our shopping list. I select what I want, it tallies the total, and I email it back to him. Voila! Easy Peasy!

Pick up is on Saturday, when the normal farmer's market is going on. Because I'm a member of the CSA, I'm treated as a VIP. My food is already paid for and set aside (unless I want to get extra goodies not included in my list), so I don't have to wait in line. I simply pick it up. It's an efficient system.

I could go on and on about how happy I am to be a part of this very cool program... but, you don't have to take my word for it. Here are a couple of testimonials from other super happy customers.

"I've been buying produce from Lewis' Hen House for over a year now and was very excited when I heard they were starting a CSA, and that the pick-up location is very conveniently the market I was already going to every week! The produce is always the best quality - certified organic, fresh, and delicious. Very reasonably priced, too. The really great thing about this CSA is you get to pick exactly what you want each week! No getting strange veges you don't really want or you don't know what to do with! I'm really happy I decided to join."

~Heather

"Being a part of a local CSA is a great way to give back to the community, support local farming, and enjoy the freshest seasonal produce available. The produce I buy from Lewis’ Hen House is incredibly fresh and you can really taste and feel the difference. It is an honor to know the people who grow the food that nourishes your family!"

~Marci

If you'd like to sign up, please feel free to email Doug (dougs_photo@msn.com) or visit his website here.

As always, feel free to leave questions or comments in the comment section of my blog, too.