• By Mary Jac Brennan
• Posted Tuesday, March 3, 2020

Come Meet Your Farmer and CSA Sign Up Day

Did you know that you can buy fresh, locally grown fruits, vegetables and locally produced cheese, eggs, meats, and artisan made food products right here in Forsyth County? Join us on Thursday March 5 from 10:30 am until 2:30 pm and meet some of the farmers who produce it. When you purchase from local farmers or participate in local on farm activities you can join other like-minded people around the country who are committed to:

• preparing healthy foods for their families;
• supporting their local farmer;
• being kind to our planet;
• trying new kinds of veggies
• being adventurous in the kitchen.
• gain a new appreciation for farms and farmers

Americans are interested in learning more about where their food comes from, a healthy trend for families and farmers. The event is being hosted by Forsyth County Government and NC Cooperative Extension, Forsyth Center. It is being held in the Government Center Atrium located at 201 N. Chestnut Street, Winston-Salem, NC 27101. Parking is available in the attached parking deck on the ground floor. Participants may register for a drawing for a basket of locally produced farm products which will be given away at the end of the event.

Eating fresh produce is a healthy choice that is good for families and farmers! Supporting our local farmers is also good for our community. This is an opportunity to meet farmers from across our area and sign up for a CSA box, find out about local farm activities and where to buy local farm products.

CSA (community-supported agriculture) is a weekly subscription to a season’s worth of sustainable, locally grown produce that is distributed to members throughout the harvesting season. CSA members enjoy the quality of fresh fruits and vegetables each week, while supporting their local farmer. Getting food from a CSA is different from going to a farmers market or using a grocery delivery service. As a CSA member, you make a seasonal commitment to a small farmer in your area, and the produce is either delivered to your door or you pick it up at a local distribution center. CSA members take pleasure in knowing where and how their food is grown, and typically have an open line of communication with their farmer. Many CSA farms actively teach their members how to use the food they receive each week.

As Americans, we share a common desire to invest in our communities and reap the benefits that stem from that investment. And since we all eat, the money we spend on food is a powerful investment tool. The data, literature and on-the-ground evidence in the USDA Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food Compass document shows that regional food systems are helping to drive job growth in agriculture, increase entrepreneurship opportunities in rural communities, and expand consumer choice and food access. Increased economic activity in food-related sectors of the economy helps communities build and maintain prosperity. Supporting your local farmers is a win for everyone!