CSAs, Co-ops, and Farmers’ Markets: Understanding local food options
The Costa Mesa Farmers’ Market. Photo courtesy of @photosbybobke
Joining the local food movement is exciting: farm-fresh produce, a lower carbon footprint, and a community of small producers! There are many great options for local procurement, but they can be a bit confusing if you’re unfamiliar with the landscape.
Farmers’ markets, CSAs, and co-ops are the three most popular ways to support local producers – but what’s the difference? Allow us to break it down for you…
Farmers’ markets
Let’s start with the option most near and dear to our hearts at Sprouts of Promise – farmers’ markets!
In California, we have Certified Farmers’ Markets. At these markets, farms have been certified by the California Board of Agriculture to grow what they sell. This means shoppers can be sure that 100% of the produce on the tables was locally grown by the farmers selling it. Farmers at certified markets are prohibited from buying produce from wholesalers or other farms and selling at a markup, which keeps prices fair. It also means that everything is grown right here in California.
While having these rules may sound like more regulation for farmers, it actually creates fewer barriers. At traditional groceries and supermarkets, farmers have to adhere to strict standards around packaging, labeling, size, and uniformity. At certified markets, farmers can sell produce package-free, and sell their whole crop instead of just the most average of the bunch. These regulations take a lot of waste out of the system, both in terms of packaging and food waste.
Farmers’ markets are also more profitable for producers than traditional groceries or even co-ops. According to research compiled by the Farmers Market Coalition, using data from the National Farmers Union, “Farmers and ranchers receive only 15 cents of every food dollar that consumers spend at traditional food outlets. At a farmers market, 100% of your food dollar goes to your local farmer.” In addition to being more profitable for farmers, taking out the middle man makes for fresher, more diverse produce, as produce varieties that might not travel as well can still be sold. Lastly, because it doesn’t need to be stored for long periods of time in grocery store backrooms, it arrives to you fresher and more nutrient-dense than at the supermarket.
As an added bonus, farmers’ markets take place outside in the sunshine and involve human interaction – two things which have been shown to benefit your mental health! Sprouts of Promise farmers’ markets are multi-purpose community spaces with local artisanal craft vendors, small businesses, kids' activities, and sustainability demonstrations. Visiting the market can be a great way to get to know your neighbors and connect with your community.
To get your farmers’ market fix and be a part of the Sprouts community, visit our farmers’ markets in Playa Vista, Westwood Village, West Hollywood, Costa Mesa, and Newport Beach!
CSAs
Another popular way to get local food is through a CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture. CSAs are typically associated with boxes of produce, although some even have grains or flour, maple syrup, meat, eggs, cheeses, or other food products.
While most people hear CSA and think of receiving a farm box, it’s more community-driven than some realize. When you purchase a CSA produce box, you are actually buying into a food system. Rather than just exchanging money for a selection of produce, as you would at a co-op or farmers’ market, your money buys a stake in the operations. Think of it as an investment where in place of cash returns, you get vegetables. When the farm does well, your weekly box of farm goodies will overflow. In difficult years, your investment will keep the farm afloat, (though your CSA box might be light). In other words, these funds ensure the farmer has an income to live off of no matter how their harvest fairs. CSA shares can either be a commitment to one farm or to a group of local farms.
Oftentimes, CSAs will have you pay for your share before the season. This helps farmers purchase seeds and fund their harvest, which, in exchange for your support, they will share with you. It also ensures that the farmer will have an income to live off of before harvest season arrives.
There are many pros to joining a CSA. For one, super fresh produce goes straight from the farm to you. CSA boxes can be a great way to get to know what produce is available during what season and to expand your cooking horizons. Some even have a social aspect to them, such as farm parties and workshops for members, and can be a great way to become more connected to your community. They are also great for ensuring small producers can maintain their livelihood despite an increasingly unpredictable climate.
However, the nature of CSA boxes means they aren’t right for everyone. For one, you’re tied to one farm or a group of farms. This means if you love turnips and your CSA doesn’t grow them, you’d be out of luck. Additionally, the unpredictability of CSA produce can be a drawback for some. If you have trouble incorporating new veggies into your meals or like to plan recipes far in advance, a random selection of groceries may not suit your lifestyle. The high cost upfront required by many CSAs can also be a barrier, as well as the fact that you might have to pitch in with some of the farm work to receive your share. Lastly, CSAs are not great if you are a frequent traveler or spend much of your time eating out, as deliveries are typically consistent and voluminous.
Co-ops
Co-ops are essentially grocery stores owned by community members instead of a large corporation, an individual, or a family. The member-owners act as investors would in a traditional model, meaning community members have the largest say in what ends up on shelves.
Members typically pay an annual, monthly, or one-time membership fee which entitles them to things such as voting on board members, reaping a portion of the profits, and occasionally extra perks like discounts. While some co-ops require you to be a member to shop, some are open to everyone.
The pros and cons of co-ops are two sides of the same coin: co-ops are involved spaces. As a member, you get to have your voice heard when it comes to product availability and sourcing, as well as how the business is run. You are part of a community that knows each other well and works together to make decisions.
If you are looking for a low commitment, the co-op model may not be for you. Members often have to pick up shifts at the store, and are frequently called upon in decision-making matters. If you have little time to commit to community involvement, or are just looking for a place to shop occasionally, a CSA or farmers’ market might be a better option.
However, all co-ops are different, and lower commitment options are out there if you are willing to look for them.
Of course, these are just the three most common ways to participate in the local food system. There are plenty of options out there that accommodate a variety of lifestyles, budgets, and dietary needs (like community fridges, community gardens, and neighborhood food swaps).
The important thing to keep in mind is, you are part of your local food system! For a system to be sustainable, it should support the needs of local farmers, the local environment, the surrounding community, and you! So take your time, explore your options, and choose whatever feels best for you.
By Clara Zervigon
Thanks to her New Orleans upbringing, Clara spends most of her day thinking about food. She has worked in historical food research, food production, and food recovery. As the Volunteer Coordinator, she enjoys helping community members work toward a better food system.