CSA program turnover is a problem: people get excited about the idea but don’t really know what’s required. So let’s look at the ideal CSA subscriber and see how close you get.
Score yourself on each statement from 1-5 (very untrue, untrue, neutral, true, very true)
- I am comfortable cooking and enjoy being in the kitchen.
- I am used to cooking a variety of things from scratch.
- I have time to spend in the kitchen (at the very least a few hours a week).
- I am intrigued by regularly planning meals around a given amount of random, seasonal produce rather than choosing my own ingredients.
- I love vegetables.
- So do the other members of my household.
- I really want to eat local food.
- So do the other members of my household.
Notes:
- This entirely unscientific measure assumes that you already have an interest in joining a CSA program. Why else would you be reading, right? (For more details, read an explanation of these statements.)
- Statement #3 is the most essential. If you don’t have time to work at this, then every other factor needs to be in place. (On the other hand, if you have time, it can make up for other shortcomings.) Cooking real food regularly is time-intensive; there’s no way around that. And the less experience you have, the more time-intensive it is. So if you’re scoring “untrue” or “very untrue” on statement #3, consider knocking yourself down a category until you have more time.
35-40 points: Um… what are you waiting for? While it still may take some time to get used to working with a weekly share of local produce, you are more than up to the challenge.
17-34 points: You can do this, but it’s not going to be easy all the time. Start in the spring, be prepared for the first season(s) to be full of “learning experiences,” and build in extra time, energy, humor, and slack. Be especially aware of places you’re likely to run into trouble, i.e., your lowest scores.
0-16 points: Bravo for thinking ahead! But now may not be the best time to join. Stick with farmers markets for another season. (Try market credits instead.)
I would have scored an uninspiring 18 when I joined Farmers Fresh in 2007. Clearly, I was not an ideal candidate, but I’ve made it work and am so glad I tried. (Read more about my scores and history.) After four years of CSA membership, however, I’m a stone-cold 40. The questionnaire is based mostly on my experience, so it’s not surprising I aced it. However, the difference in my scores point to a chicken-or-egg effect with CSA membership.
Wait till you’re in the ideal range or make the leap of faith and figure it out as you go? It’s your call. Just be prepared for the inevitable ups and downs – especially in the areas where you score lower. I’m certainly glad we made the leap in my house.
So another way to tell if you should join a CSA is to ask yourself the question, “how badly do you wish your scores on these statements were higher?” A CSA membership can be a tool to get there and not just the goal.
Finally, avoid making a decision after the first season if you can. Try to stick with the program for a full year. Practice will get you there, not practicing won’t. Plus, you get to see the year’s possibilities instead of just one season.
thoughtful consumption 
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