SuperMarket Update #32--3/7/01
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Getting the update out a little early this week, hoping everyone survived the great storm of 2001! :)

Have continued to receive comments about the latest project, the Virtual CSA. And we have sold 12 memberships; 38 to go!

It seems most are in agreement that we may be on to something. I am including one of the messages I received recently.

"I think the virtual CSA has merit, in that when I have purchased something on line, like jams, I don't go back every month to buy more, because it lasts a while. I see the benefit to you and your vendors is that you can ship a larger volume of product and make the costs of shipping pay for itself."

I have also fielded a number of questions about CSAs. Mainly, what in the world are they? Below, you will find an excerpt from Seattle Tilth's web site on Community Supported Agriculture.

Remember, this is the larger concept that sparked the first discussions about our variation. Prior to the first boxes in April, I will send out a more detailed letter about CSAs, our specific project, the coops involved, the goals of the project and hopefully resources for locating more traditional, local CSAs.

Again, please let me know what you think at rbond@ruralco.org, and please consider supporting this pilot. It is really coming together and will be a great experience all around! You can subscribe online at
http://www.supermarketcoop.com, or give us call during business hours at 202-628-7160.

In cooperation,
Rebecca Bond
SuperMarket Project Manager

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WHAT IS COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE?

Here is how, in general, CSA works: You purchase a "share" from a farm, which entitles you to weekly deliveries of fresh produce throughout the growing season. You pick up your share at the farm or at a convenient drop site. This arrangement gives you access to the freshest produce available at reasonable prices and give you a direct connection to "your" farm and your source of food. Many farms also provide the opportunity to participate in on-farm events such as harvest festivals. Farmers benefit by having a
reliable market, and a direct relationship with their customers. Connecting to a local farm can be a life-changing experience.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE?

- CSA can provide consumers with the highest quality fresh healthy delicious food at a reasonable price.

- The direct connection to a farm and a farmer adds to the richness of the eating experience. Do you know where your food comes from?

- How we choose to spend our food dollars is a means of voting for the kind of world we would like to live in. Local organic farms contribute to greater local food security and cultural identity, preserve green spaces, attract wildlife and help circulate money within the local economy.
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