Article Summary –
Buying produce from local farmers markets and community-supported agriculture (CSA) farms in Wisconsin offers benefits such as supporting local farmers, creating resilient food systems, and fostering community connections, despite the perception that it may be more expensive than grocery stores. During the COVID-19 pandemic, interest in CSA farms surged as they provided reliable local food sources, showcasing their potential as stabilizing forces during uncertain times. Additionally, CSA farms, like Squashington Farm and Orange Cat Community Farm, offer flexible payment options, such as worker shares and acceptance of SNAP and EBT, making local produce more accessible and affordable while encouraging a deeper connection between consumers and their food sources.
Buying produce at the local farmers market in Athens, Wisconsin, offers both romantic and practical experiences, says Tony Schultz, owner of Stoney Acres Farm. Shoppers seeking alternatives to high grocery costs might find value in supporting local farms. Small Wisconsin farmers emphasize that buying local strengthens community ties and supports local agriculture amidst uncertainty.
“Keeping dollars local builds resilient food systems and businesses,” says Sarah Leong of Squashington Farm, a CSA farm in Mount Horeb. Community-supported agriculture farms, or CSA farms, offer seasonal shares to consumers, delivering fresh produce during the growing season.
“My farm is like a magazine subscription, but with fresh, organic produce,” explains Schultz. CSA farms may deliver produce boxes or operate markets where customers select their own produce.
Although CSA farms peaked in popularity in the late 1990s, the COVID-19 pandemic renewed interest in them as people sought alternatives to grocery stores. Despite a dip in CSA membership post-pandemic, their role in stabilizing local food sources remains evident.
Laura Mortimore, owner of Orange Cat Community Farm in Sauk County, notes the comfort local farms offer during anxious times. Despite perceptions that local produce is pricier, Leong argues it’s accessible, especially with programs like Orange Cat’s worker shares and SNAP payment options.
CSA farms like Stoney Acres aren’t tied to grocery store markets, often offering more stable prices on seasonal produce like radishes and maple syrup in spring or squash and cabbage in fall. This stability supports operational costs, including labor and supplies.
Local farms offer flexibility, with options such as payment plans and worker shares in exchange for produce. Despite rising egg prices, Schultz won’t increase his CSA share costs, citing personal cost-saving measures.
The intangible benefits of buying local, from community connection to discovering new cooking tips, make it a rewarding choice. Mortimore highlights the value of vibrant, healthful food in local kitchens. Leong’s customers invest in her business as neighbors, fostering trust and understanding of food origins.
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