From Farm to Table: Join the Local Food Movement with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)

Why Buying Local and Seasonal Makes a Difference

Eating locally and in season isn’t just a trendy concept—it’s a decision that benefits your health, your community, and the environment. Food harvested at peak ripeness is bursting with nutrients, flavor, and vitality. Unlike produce that spends days or weeks in transport, local food goes from farm to table in a fraction of the time, preserving its nutritional value. You’ll notice the difference immediately—the tomatoes are richer, the greens are crisper, and the berries taste sweeter. When food doesn’t have to travel thousands of miles, it requires fewer preservatives and packaging. That means fewer chemicals and waste, making it a more sustainable choice.

Seasonal eating also aligns with what our bodies naturally need throughout the year. Summer’s hydrating melons and crisp cucumbers help keep us cool, while winter’s hearty root vegetables provide warmth and nourishment. Eating seasonally creates a rhythm that connects us to the cycles of nature, making mealtime both satisfying and intuitive.

What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are a fantastic way to enjoy fresh, locally grown food while directly supporting small-scale farmers. When you join a CSA, you’re not just buying groceries—you’re forming a connection with your local food system. Members sign up for a season-long subscription and receive regular boxes filled with fresh produce, dairy, eggs, or even artisan goods. This model provides farmers with reliable income while ensuring you get the best food your region has to offer.

Choosing the Right CSA for You

Not all CSA programs are the same, so finding the right fit depends on your lifestyle and food preferences. Some farms offer flexible subscriptions, while others require a full-season commitment. Consider whether you prefer picking up your share at a local farm or farmers’ market, or if delivery is a better option for your schedule. Some CSAs allow customization, letting you choose what goes into your box, while others provide a “farmer’s choice” selection, introducing you to new foods and flavors you might not have otherwise tried. Think about how much produce your household consumes, as share sizes can vary. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a family, there’s a CSA program that will suit your needs.

Locating the CSA Programs in Your Local Community

Finding and locating a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program near you is easier than ever, thanks to online directories, local food networks, and word-of-mouth recommendations. Here’s how you can discover the best CSA options in your area:

Use Online Directories & CSA Finder Tools

Several websites specialize in connecting consumers with local farms and CSA programs. Simply enter your zip code, and these directories will show CSA options near you:

LocalHarvest, a national database of CSAs, farmers’ markets, and local farms.
FarmersWeb, connects individuals and businesses with local farmers offering CSAs.
USDA CSA Directory – A government-run database of CSA programs across the U.S.
If you are here in Washington State, Eat Local First, lists state-wide farms and CSA programs.

Check with Local Farmers’ Markets

Many small-scale farmers who participate in farmers’ markets also offer CSA programs. When you visit your local market, ask vendors if they provide a CSA share or if they can recommend one nearby.

Visit Farm Websites and Social Media

Many farms operate their own CSA programs and promote them on their websites, Instagram, or Facebook pages. Searching “CSA near me” on Google or social media can lead you to local farms with active CSA memberships.

Contact Local Food Co-ops & Health Food Stores

Many food co-ops, health food stores, and natural grocers partner with local farms to offer CSA boxes. Some may even serve as pick-up locations for CSA shares.

Ask Your Community & Neighbors

Word-of-mouth is a powerful tool. Ask your neighbors, friends, or local gardening groups if they participate in a CSA and if they recommend a particular farm.

Check with Your Local Extension Office

Many agricultural extension offices maintain lists of local farms and CSA programs. Your state’s university extension office or Master Gardener program may have additional resources.

Explore Regional Farm Alliances

Organizations that support local agriculture, such as farm bureaus or sustainability coalitions, often maintain directories of CSA programs.

Exploring CSA Programs in Snohomish and Surrounding Counties

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of fresh, local food, there are plenty of CSA programs in Snohomish, King, Skagit, and Island Counties that can bring the farm right to your doorstep.

In Snohomish County, Lowlands Farm offers weekly and bi-weekly shares filled with sustainably grown produce. Chinook Farms runs a certified organic CSA that spans 22 weeks from June through October. Fobes Hill Farm specializes in microgreens and culinary herb micros, providing nutrient-packed greens year-round. Garden Treasures Nursery and Local Farm in Arlington offers a mix of vegetables, fruits, and flowers, with seasonal CSA shares available in summer, fall, and winter.

King County is home to Ecolibrium Farms in Redmond, where you’ll find a mix of vegetables and eggs, with options to customize your CSA box. Carnation Farms embraces sustainable farming and offers a seasonal CSA packed with fresh produce. The Snoqualmie Valley Farmers’ Cooperative supports multiple farms and offers a well-rounded CSA that includes eggs, fruit, and flowers alongside the weekly produce share.

Skagit County boasts options like Boldly Grown Farm in Bow, which specializes in fall and winter CSA boxes filled with organic, cold-hardy vegetables. Harmony Fields also calls Bow home and offers a seasonal six-box subscription featuring farmstead sheep’s cheese.

For those in Island County, Deep Harvest Farm in Freeland provides organic vegetables throughout summer and fall, grown with no-till farming methods that enrich the soil. SkyRoot Farm in Clinton offers vegetable CSA shares during the warmer months, ensuring members enjoy the freshest produce while supporting sustainable land stewardship.

A Commitment to Health, Community, and Sustainability

Joining a CSA is more than just a way to access high-quality food—it’s a commitment to healthier eating, supporting local farmers, and making sustainable choices. It’s an opportunity to slow down, appreciate the flavors of the season, and build a deeper connection to where your food comes from. Whether you're in the city or a rural community, there's a CSA that can connect you to the best food your region has to offer. You can enjoy fresh, locally grown produce while supporting sustainable farming practices.

Are you part of a CSA? We’d love to hear about your experience! Share your favorite farm finds and recipes in the comments below.