What is a CSA and Why Join One?
the in-a-nutshell rundown on CSAs according to Menomonie Market Food Co-op
Layne Qualy / Menomonie Market Food Co-op
What is a CSA?
What is it: CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. During the growing season (May-Sept.) every week, farmers build boxes that consist of their farm’s products and deliver them to the pick-up location customers choose for pick up each week. Depending on which farmer you choose to sign up for – the contents can consist of in season vegetables, meat cuts or product made on the farm you chose.
How it works: To sign up for the CSA share, all you need to do is visit the website of the farm you are interested in receiving CSA boxes from and follow the instructions to sign up. Typically, farms have a couple of options to choose from. Whichever option you choose, you pay for the entire season of CSA share boxes at the beginning of the season. The farmer will communicate the CSA box pick up location, the dates and time of pick-up, and anything else you need to know by email. We have a list of our CSA farmer’s sign-up pages on our website here: https://mmfc.coop/csa/. Once it is CSA season you can pick up your box at the location you chose at sign up – any staff member will be ready to help you out.
Why They Are Cool
One more great way to support the local economy: At Menomonie Market Food Co-op (MMFC), we love to promote CSAs for our local farmers because it exercises the first two points of our ends statement. Customers have local access to healthy choices for their physical, social, and environmental needs and local farmers and producers are supported.
Supports farmers sustainable growing practices: Choosing to source your food from local farmers keeps these farms in business and supports their farming practices specific to their land. Thankfully our local farmers take great pride and responsibility in being responsible stewards of the land they practice on.
Low Carbon Footprint: Because our farmers are local to our community, the carbon footprint of these boxes is very low compared to food shipped into grocery stores – to keep grocery stores stocked all year long with fresh produce, often produce travels many miles from other states or countries using non-renewable resources.
Supporting Biodiversity: Our farmers grow and produce a large variety of produce and breeds which helps keep our food sources genetically strong and helps keep soil healthy by preventing monocultures.
Cooking Adventures!: It’s a surprise every week what local food items you are going to get. No two boxes are the same. You will likely learn about new vegetables or varieties, and you’ll be exposed to a more diverse flavor profile with each box you get. And it’s a budget friendly option to get more veggies into your diet.
How MMFC Supports CSAs
MMFC is a pickup location for CSA boxes: Customers enjoy not having to drive all the way to the farm each week, saving even more fossil fuels. It is also convenient to pick up your box with your regular grocery shopping.
Promoting Local CSAs: MMFC is honored to have the opportunity to use our platform to promote CSAs and educate our community on more ways they can support the community.
These CSA farms also stock MMFC shelves: We are proud not only to provide a pickup location for CSA shareholders, but we also stock our shelves with our local CSA farmers product for people who are not CSA shareholders.
By now, it should be clear how important CSAs are to the health of our farmers, the earth, and our local community. And what a great and easy way to support these through a weekly box you pick up at your local, friendly grocers.
CSAs In Our Community & What They Offer
Racing Heart Farm: Racing Heart is a Certified Organic vegetable farm focused on creating a healthy ecosystem, vegetables, and soil through no-till practices and pollinator plantings. Racing Heart offers two share sizes for their 16 week Summer season, with the option to add an additional 4 weeks in the fall. Sign up at: http://www.racingheartfarm.com/csa-sign-up
CSA pick up available at both Menomonie Market Stores.
Living The Dream Farm: Living The Dream Farm (L.T.D.) is a small scale, chemical free produce CSA and homestead in Western Wisconsin. They offer 15 weeks of produce shares featuring a variety of vegetables like carrots, onions, zuchinni, garlic, peas, mushrooms, kale and more. Sign up by emailing: ltdfarmwi@gmail.com
CSA pick up available at the Menomonie Farmers Market.
Mary Dirty Face Farm: Mary Dirty Face grows certified organic fruit, focusing on biodiversity and a wide array of uncommon varieties. Their share is a great option for people who love fruit and are excited to try new things. Shares typically include a variety of currants, apples, raspberries, blueberries, plums and pears! Sign up by emailing: info@marydirtyface.com
CSA pick up available at both Menomonie Market Stores.
Growing Lots: Growing Lots is primarily a CSA farm located in Wheeler, WI. They love working closely with their community to build healthy food systems. They invest heavily in soil health and utilize a low till system that is nursed by organic inputs. Growing Lots offers Summer, Fall and All-Season shares of vegetables. Sign up at: http://www.gofarmhand.com/csa/growing-lots/plans. CSA pick up available at both Menomonie Market Food Co-op stores.
This article was originally published in the March/April 2025 issue of Menomonie Market Food Co-op's bi-monthly newsletter, The Morsel. If you’d like to read more stories like this one and stay up-to-date on the latest co-op news and events, pick up a print copy in-store on your next grocery run or find more news on the MMFC website here.
Menomonie Market Food Co-op has two locations: Menomonie (814 Main St. E) + Eau Claire (206 N. Barstow St.).