CSA Shares at Hanson Farm
Several Framingham farms have doing CSA (Community Support Agriculture) shares. Framingham residents may have seen lawn signs promoting the CSA Shares.
Framingham's Hanson Farms is one of the Farms that offers CSA Shares.
How CSA Farm Shares Work
The program allows local farmers to get cash up front to help cover the cost of operating expenses. In return, the investor will get a weekly share of fresh locally grown produce from early June to late October.
The amount of produce received every week is enough to feed a family of four. The share does vary weekly depending on what's available to harvest and the current weather conditions.
Some of the items require the Investor to pick their own - a fun activity for the kids!
Plan Duration and Cost
The standard CSA program last for 20 Weeks and cost $650 (2017 figures). That comes to $32.50 a week.
For smaller families, there is an alternate share program where you get a share every other week. So you only get 10 pickups.
The alternative plan cost $350, which comes to $35 a week.
Hanson Farms has an interesting cost saving summary PDF of how the program is a win-win for everyone. In the PDF, you can see how the Investor was able to save a lot of money over the grocery store prices. In addition, the PDF shows the various type food that might be available every week.
Supporting Local Farms
Using the CSA program is a great way to support local farms. While you may get some produce cheaper at the local supermarket. Supporting local farms via CSA helps local farmers grow excellent crop.