Words by Rachel Curry
From sustainability to boosting the local economy, Community Supported Agriculture offers plenty of benefits for farmers and consumers alike.
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) isn’t a new idea, but in our current climate, reverting to agricultural roots goes beyond convenience—it’s a necessity. Delaware may be small, but with so much farmland, it only makes sense we’d be chock-full of CSAs. Often referred to as crop shares, they offer plenty of benefits for farmers and consumers alike.
Produce for the pickin’: Get out of your comfort zone with new-to-you fruits and veggies. Make the kitchen an adventure for kids and adults.
Sustainability: Grab your reusable totes and collect that plastic-free produce, which didn’t travel far to get to you.
Boosting the local economy: Local purchases come full circle. Support your farmers, and they’ll support you back.
Community: Kids programs, market pickups and family visits to the farm all help you connect with your neighbors—and your plate.
It’s the Time of the Season
Summer and early fall are when most CSAs serve up their delicious bounty. Farms generally offer them in a variety of sizes, so you can find one that works for your family.
Coverdale Farm Preserve
Where: 543 Way Road, Greenville
When: June to November
Programs: Environmental education for students, Scouts, homeschoolers, faith-based groups and more. (You can even stay overnight!)
Learn more: delawarenaturesociety.org
Highland Orchards Farm Market
Where: 1431 Foulk Road, Wilmington
When: Weekly, winter and summer
Programs: Kids can mingle with the pig, peacock and horses on the farm.
Learn more: highlandorchardsfarmmarket.com
Dittmar Family Farms
Where: 644 Paradise Alley Road, No. 4007, Felton
When: May to October
Programs: Regenerative farming practice, plus plenty of sheep, pigs and other animals to keep the kids occupied.
Learn more: dittmarfamilyfarms.simplesite.com
T.S. Smith & Sons
Where: 8887 Redden Road, Bridgeville
When: May to October
Programs: Pick your own peaches and apples from July to October, year-round market, Apple Scrapple Festival and pavilion rental for family events.
Learn more: tssmithandsons.com
Kranz Hill Farm
Where: 616 New London Road, Newark
When: May to November
Programs: Down on the Farm Summer Camp for ages 7 to 13, school and group tours of farm animals and crops.
Learn more: kranzhillfarm.org
Magee Farms
Where: 34857 Lighthouse Road, Selbyville; 33761 Westcoats Road, Lewes
When: Spring (18 weeks), fall (nine weeks)
Programs: You-pick strawberries at both farm locations.
Learn more: mageefarms.com
Published as “Take Your Pick” in the Spring/Summer 2020 issue of 302Health magazine
