The movement towards locally grown food means only good things for the American table. The shorter the distance a food item has to travel to your plate, the more nutrients and favor it retains. Many people now buy much of their produce at the local farm stand or market, which supports the community as well. But if you prefer convenience or don't have the time to get to the farm market, why not have the harvest shipped right to your door?

CSA, which stands for “Community Supported Agriculture,” is a great way to support local farmers while still getting a fabulous deal on your grocery items. The idea is simple: you, the consumer, pay a fee to the farmer at the start of the season, and in exchange, you get a delivery of fresh produce every week for the entirety of the season. If you look into it, keep in mind that most CSAs offer both summer and fall seasons.

The benefits of signing up for a CSA are great, for both farmers and consumers alike. First off, the prices are extremely reasonable, and the convenience of having the food delivered can be a real time saver. For the farmer, getting the money up-front allows them to invest in their business, which helps them to grow, and it also makes for easier bookkeeping.

The one and only disadvantage is that you do not get to choose what veggies and fruit you get each week — but for foodies, this can be a fun challenge.