(credit: South Central Farmers Cooperative)
Community-Supported Agriculture programs, better known as CSAs, are a budding new trend in Los Angeles. Meeting the consumer demand of fresh, locally grown produce, CSAs are a great way to get all your certified organically-grown fruits and vegetables at a discount while supporting local farms across Los Angeles. Depending on the program, membership fees and location, fresh produce can be picked up or delivered to your door. If this sounds like a good way to eat healthy and promote a cleaner environment as well as local farmers, check out these top five LA CSAs.
(credit: Freshology)
Freshology
10950 Sherman Way, Suite 140
Burbank, CA 91505
(818) 847-0550
www.freshology.com
With summer just around the corner, people are already working on their beach bodies. Dieting and exercise can be challenging for people on the go, but thanks to Freshology, the dieting part just got easier. Freshology builds a healthy, weight-loss menu and delivers it right to your door. Depending on your budget and dietary needs, you can start a meal plan from as little as $600. All meats, fruits and vegetables are locally grown and certified organic so you can lose weight and help the environment to boot!
(credit: South Central Farmers Cooperative)
South Central Farmers’ Cooperative
Various pick-up locations available
(800) 249-5240
www.southcentralfarmers.com
South Central Farmers’ Cooperative started out as a small local garden in South Central Los Angeles. It was formed after the devastating L.A. riots in 1992 and inspired a 2009 documentary titled “The Garden.” Originally created to feed residents of the community, the South Central Farmers’ Cooperative has branched out to feed the masses and uses a sliding scale payment method per box ranging from $20 to $25 and $40. The selection is heavy on the veggies and sometimes you’ll get a mystery vegetable or two, but that’s one of the great things about supporting a CSA program.
(credit: LOVE Delivery)
LOVE Delivery – Los Angeles Organic Vegetable Express
Venice, CA 90291
(310) 821-5683
www.lovedelivery.com
Want fresh fruits and veggies but don’t want to leave the house to get them? Then register with LOVE Delivery – Los Angeles Organic Vegetable Express and they’ll deliver them to your home. They have a wide selection of local fruits and veggies that are guaranteed fresh and organic. The different boxes are named after song titles with the word “love” in them and start at $28.50. You are welcome to customize your orders to suit your needs and tastes. Even better, you don’t have to stick around for the delivery guy. Just pre-designate a drop off spot and your box will be waiting for you when you get home.
(credit: Good Life Organics)
Good Life Organics
11827 W Pico Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90064
(818) 614-8131
www.goodlifeorganics.csaware.com
Good Life Organics is a weekly delivery service of nothing but the freshest, locally grown vegetables and fruits. While they won’t deliver to your door, they do have many convenient locations for you to choose from to pick up. Seasonal fruit and vegetable shares are $25 (4-5 types of fruit and 4-7 vegetables) and $45 (5-8 varieties of fruit and 8-10 varieties of vegetables) with the option of adding extra items like apple chips, avocados, Asian pears and wheat grass.
(credit: Farm Box LA)
Farm Box LA
Los Angeles, CA
(888) 888-8590
www.FarmBoxLA.com
The Farm Box LA is like a CSA, but with the added bonus of supporting dozens of farmers throughout California, so they are able to bring you the very best. The boxes come in varieties based on cooking preferences, those that like to juice and boxes for those who want a random selection. They also have a hummus club, nut of the week club and a cheese club. All leftover produce is donated to food banks or local farms for composting. They also provide a service to turn your leftovers into jams and preserves. Average box starts aroung $50, but you can also shop online and have items added. And they deliver!
Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
