The MSU Student Organic Farm is joining farmers across the country to celebrate Community Supported Agriculture Week, a national event taking place from Feb. 20-26 to promote CSA and local food. To celebrate, the farm is offering their Summer CSA share to the MSU community and will also use social media to highlight alumni from the Organic Farmer Training Program offering similar programs in different parts of the state and country.
Members of Community Supported Agriculture programs not only enjoy the freshest veggies and fruits available, but also contribute to a resilient local food system. By purchasing a Summer CSA share in February, members allow farmers to have the financial resources they need to purchase seeds and equipment, make repairs and do the labor required to provide a full season of bounty. Additionally, membership to the Student Organic Farm CSA directly supports the education of the next generation of sustainable growers.
The MSU Summer CSA runs for 16 weeks from May 5 through Aug. 25 with pickups available on the farm and on campus at Bailey Greenhouse. There are three options available for individuals and households interested in accessing produce from the Student Organic Farm:
- Regular CSA Share: $576 ($36/week for 16 weeks.)
- Small CSA Share: $360 ($20/week for 16 weeks)
- Market Share: A pay-as-you-go account to make purchases through the SOF Online Store.
All members are welcome to make additional purchases through the Online Store, regardless of their membership type. (Orders must be placed before noon on Wednesday of delivery to give the crew time to harvest, wash and pack the produce.)
The pandemic drew new attention to the CSA model, as it provides a reliable, safe means of accessing fresh fruits and vegetables each week. The Student Organic Farm offers a no-contact drive-through pickup for its members and has many health safety protocols in place to ensure minimal risk for their members and crew. Memberships are expected to sell out again this year for farmers across the country, so CSA Week is a great time to sign up.
To sign up for the MSU Student Organic Farm Summer CSA, visit their website
Additional questions or comments can be directed msufarm@msu.edu or at (517) 230-7987.
The MSU Student Organic Farm was started in 1999 by a group of MSU students to provide a place where students could come and volunteer, work, visit and have input on the development of the land and farm. As a result of the vision and hard work of many, the farm has flourished. Over the years the farm has developed into a place where many different groups are able to engage with growing food and creating learning opportunities through farming. Though many farm activities have been altered or cancelled in 2020 due to the Coronavirus Pandemic, production continues with increased safety measures in order to continue life sustaining activities in the sector of Food and Agriculture.
