'Tis the season for Community Supported Agriculture! If you love great produce and supporting local farmers (and who doesn't?!), then this list is for you.
See also:5 Delicious Things to Do With a Surplus of Arizona Citrus
Gila Farm Cooperative Gila Farm Cooperative's program is great because it isn't just Community Supported Agriculture - it's agriculture that supports the refugee community in Arizona. The Gila Farm Cooperative was started with a little help from the International Rescue Committee, a refugee resettlement agency with offices here in the Valley. The farm itself is in Pinal County; pickup locations are in Central Phoenix. Gila Farm Coop offers pre-paid $25 per share options (including 8, 10, and 12-week terms), or a flexible week-to-week share at $28. The Coop also encourages folks to donate CSA shares to refugee families in need - so even if you don't love to eat your veggies, you can help support local farms and families. Sign up at http://gilafarm.org/csa-phoenix/.
Blue Sky Organic Farms We like Blue Sky's CSA Package because they offer a variety of options when it comes to both share size and duration. If you aren't sure about the whole CSA thing, or you want to play the local veggie field a little, Blue Sky offers a week-to-week option. If you're the commitment type, you'll save a little money with their 12 or 32 week prepaid shares. Blue Sky is based in Litchfield Park, but pick up spots are scattered all over the East and West Valley for your convenience. Small shares start at $16.50 per week; learn more or sign up at http://blueskyorganicfarms.com/csa/.
Maya's Farm Maya's Farm recently started taking applications for Spring CSA memberships - but they're selling out quickly, so sign up soon if you're interested. Their membership is a more standard model: $300 gets you 3 months worth of weekly fresh, organically grown produce (and maybe sometimes eggs!) Pickup your share at your choice of Central Phoenix locations, at Cafe Allegro (at the Musical Instrument Museum,) or at Hillside Spot in Ahwatukee. For more information, visit http://www.mayasfarm.com/.
Crooked Sky Farms Crooked Sky Farms has regional CSA coordinators that basically help broker the deal between eager veggie-eaters and the farm. This model comes with some pretty great benefits: though Crooked Sky is based out of South Phoenix, folks as far south as Tucson can partake in their produce. Don't worry - they've got a ton of Metro-Phoenix pickup sites, too. Find your local CSA Coordinator at http://www.crookedskyfarms.com/.. Prices vary by pickup location, but generally hover around $20 per week for three months (prepaid).
The Simple Farm Scottsdale's The Simple Farm offers ten-week CSA Packages. Shares can be collected on Thursdays between 4-6 pm at The Simple Farm - sadly, they do not offer any alternative pick up locations at this time. But! This CSA is done market style. $35 per week allows members to select from a menu of available items and bring home a basket that is tailored to their preferences. There are also plenty of options to add-on local non-produce items, like meats, eggs, milk, and cheese. Learn more at http://thesimplefarm.net/.
The Farm at AgritopiaIf you were looking forward to a Spring Agritopia CSA membership, welp, you're out of luck. They've SOLD OUT of shares for this season, but are accepting applications for the Fall and Winter. This season includes 16 weekly distributions, with the option to pick up at The Farm at Agritopia, FnB, Crepe Bar, or the Gilbert Farmer's Market. Agritopia offers two size options, a $15 per week half share (said to feed 1-2 people), and a $25 per week full share (which will feed a family of 3-4, or 2 vegetarians.) More information is available at http://thefarmatagritopia.com/.
Chow Locally If you've read this list and still aren't sure which option might be best for you, consider Chow Locally. Their "Chow Share" program combines seasonal produce from local growers like Maya's Farm, Agritopia, Blue Sky Farms, and Crooked Sky Farms. Chow Locally offers the option to put your membership on hold if you go out of town, which is a great option for anyone who might not be able to commit to a weekly membership. There's a $20 one-time membership fee associated with the service, and shares are $23.97 per week (tax included). Learn more about the program and where to pick up at https://www.chowlocally.com/
