I have not posted any comments over the past few weeks because it has been much of the same—squash abound, severely bruised produce, and the usual CSA illuminati antics—however, a recent event has driven me to the keyboard.
The CSA is slowly imploding. I kid you not. A few of the new members expressed concern over the safety at the pickup site. I cannot go into further detail here as a more in depth description would certainly enable the reader to pinpoint the organization and the “problem”. While, I am dissatisfied with the CSA, I have no desire to embarrass or bad mouth a particular individual or institution. I am comfortable with lobbing criticism at the group as whole or at certain subsets within the group, but disclosing particularly embarrassing details that would no longer allow an individual (or individuals) to maintain his or her (their) anonymity is not my thing…at least not my thing for this particular blog. Now, if you say something about my mama, all bets are off! As a new member, I agree with many of their concerns. Frankly, ALL members new and old should share the same concerns about safety. What I did not expect was the response from some of the core group members. They were shocked and dismayed—yes, shocked and dismayed—that some Johnny-come-latelies had the audacity to air their dissatisfaction publicly. Are you serious?
If I had any reservations about discontinuing my membership, I have none now. Since when can’t members of a group air gripes publicly amongst its members? Nobody receives free shares. We all PAID to be members, and as members, we have the right to express our feelings, contrary to your beliefs Mr. and Mrs. Fidel Putin Bush. And for the record, there are no A and B shares, no common stock and corporate stock, so save your unwarranted displays of disgust for the meek and easily intimidated. This is not a laboratory. We are not a controlled experiment. It sickens me to know that you do not value open dialogue, especially since the comments were not malicious and mean-spirited.
Well, you do not have to worry about me or others like me in the group. We will not be back next season. Guess what? Our money is accepted wherever we go. Game over. You lose. Now, go kick rocks…….
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Seeds of discontentment
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Alas in Wonderland
I was sprung from the job earlier than usual this Thursday because of our company picnic. Having arrived in the Bronx at a quarter to five afforded me the opportunity to pick up my share earlier than usual. I dropped my work gear off and headed to the pickup site. Not too muddy today; however, someone “planted” several varieties of plastic flowers in the mud garden. Nice. Whatever, I was really too tired to care. I am surprised I even noticed the faux foliage since I was exhibiting a mild case of heat stroke—agitation, high body temperature, disorientation, and rapid pulse—from all of that company picnic “fun”.
Anywho, the truck must have been late because some of the veggies were still cool to the touch. Wow, not bad at all I thought to myself. Most of the stuff looks pretty fresh unlike the limp, bruised, and battered produce that is usually available. Maybe Farmer Monotony packed the crates better. As I was weighing out some cukes, one of the co-op leaders began picking through the veggies and sorting out the beat-up ones. The leader then signaled a minion and instructed the cohort to organize "the others’" shares. Without delay, the underling joined the vetting process, separating the comeliest of the lot. The leader reeled off a list of about 6 families, obviously all part of the CSA Illuminati, for which the subordinate was to pack the shares. And only the flawless of the species were to be bagged. Who does this guy think he is? The Food Führer? What next? Blonde-hued squash are deemed acceptable, whilst the fate of the dark green ones is unknown? It is not my intention to offend anyone by my possibly poor choice of analogy, but I thought that this behavior was not only unjust, but downright sickening. Only the best for the elite. And for the rest? The commoners. Let them eat cake!
If the CSA elite are too lazy to drag their butts to the site, then they should receive the dregs. First come, first served. Period. After watching the duo, it also became clear to me that the CSA Illuminati have dual membership. They are both part of the Illuminati and the secret society of purloiners. An extra perfect pepper here. An additional unblemished carrot there. What have I gotten myself into? What is wrong with these people? Oh, why did I follow the white rabbit?
BTW, a good portion of last week's cucumbers grew fuzzy in the crisper. As for the squash, I was able to save some and made a squash torte courtesy of Des' Home Ec-O blog. She's got some pretty awesome recipes...tell her I sent you.
Anywho, the truck must have been late because some of the veggies were still cool to the touch. Wow, not bad at all I thought to myself. Most of the stuff looks pretty fresh unlike the limp, bruised, and battered produce that is usually available. Maybe Farmer Monotony packed the crates better. As I was weighing out some cukes, one of the co-op leaders began picking through the veggies and sorting out the beat-up ones. The leader then signaled a minion and instructed the cohort to organize "the others’" shares. Without delay, the underling joined the vetting process, separating the comeliest of the lot. The leader reeled off a list of about 6 families, obviously all part of the CSA Illuminati, for which the subordinate was to pack the shares. And only the flawless of the species were to be bagged. Who does this guy think he is? The Food Führer? What next? Blonde-hued squash are deemed acceptable, whilst the fate of the dark green ones is unknown? It is not my intention to offend anyone by my possibly poor choice of analogy, but I thought that this behavior was not only unjust, but downright sickening. Only the best for the elite. And for the rest? The commoners. Let them eat cake!
If the CSA elite are too lazy to drag their butts to the site, then they should receive the dregs. First come, first served. Period. After watching the duo, it also became clear to me that the CSA Illuminati have dual membership. They are both part of the Illuminati and the secret society of purloiners. An extra perfect pepper here. An additional unblemished carrot there. What have I gotten myself into? What is wrong with these people? Oh, why did I follow the white rabbit?
BTW, a good portion of last week's cucumbers grew fuzzy in the crisper. As for the squash, I was able to save some and made a squash torte courtesy of Des' Home Ec-O blog. She's got some pretty awesome recipes...tell her I sent you.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Cu-Cu for Cucumbers
Thursday is pickup day, and today I came prepared to be restrained and sedated. I told myself, "Self, if we get one more delivery of kale and squash, I am going to invert every single table in the distribution center, eviscerate the squash, and tear the bug-eaten leaves of kale asunder while reciting the Greek alphabet...backwards."
For the last 3 or 4 weeks, "Farmer Monotony" has been inundating the co-op with squale (squash & kale) and, frankly, I am sick to death of the two--that is, both the squale and the discourteous farmer. The squale can't spoil fast enough in my crisper. Unfortunately, I arrived "late" (about an hour and fifteen minutes before closing) two weeks in a row so whatever shot at variety I had was long gone, having been swaddled in some early bird's organic, biodegradable, fair trade, cotton tote and gingerly whisked off to some nearby destination. Mind you, the pickup window is 4-ish to 7 pm and I foolishly thought I could arrive by 6 pm to collect my stated shares. Yeah, right. I was met all too often with the heartbreaking statement, "Looks like we're all out of the carrots and beets (note to reader: you may substitute whatever veggie here) so I guess you'll just have to double up on the squash and kale." Are you kidding me? Squale is a very poor choice for a consolation prize. I mean, really, who wants 5 lbs. of squale?
It was 5:45 when I got off the train this evening. Darn the MTA and its slowing moving passengers, I thought to myself. Stand clear of the closing doors. Is that so difficult to comprehend? I knew for sure that I would be "squaled" again. Pass the wire gate, around the perimeter of the mud garden (I guess it's supposed to be grass but it's mostly mud), and to the makeshift reception area, where one is routinely ignored, I went. I scrawled my name across the sign in sheet, clenched my teeth, flexed my muscles, and walked over to the tables. Ding, ding, ding. It was going down. Don't start none, won't be none. I was about to give a good ol' fashioned Bronx beat down to the godforsaken squash but something appeared in my peripheral vision. What is this? Cucumbers, onions, corn, green pepper, basil, fava beans, and baby greens. Whoa, I am first stunned motionless and then spurred into action by the lady with the organic, biodegradable, fair trade, cotton tote making a beeline for the basil. Oh, no she didn't cut the line! Stand back it's about to get ugly, sister. I elbow my way through the fray and throw in a few rib shots for good measure.
I (or a family of 2-3) am entitled to 1 ear of corn, 1 large onion, .75 lbs of fava beans, .25 lbs of basil, 2 peppers, 2 lbs of squash, and, get this, 3.75 lbs of cucumbers. How do you split one ear of corn among three people anyway and what am I going to do with 3.75 pounds of cucumbers (6 very large Cucumis sativus)? And you know what? I know why I've been getting squaled. The lady with the organic, biodegradable, fair trade, cotton tote was taking more than her fair share of basil, peppers, and onions. OMG, and so was another cotton toter! She and her pilfering lot swoop down like ravenous vultures and make off with other members' shares. Stealthily, the produce is first swaddled in organic fabric and then gingerly whisked off to some nearby destination. Perhaps they are all members of some secret society of purloiners. Maybe I'll make a cucumber face mask before too many of them spoil in the crisper.
Hey, at least I didn't get squaled this time...
Sunday, July 20, 2008
What is a CSA?
What is a CSA? The acronym CSA stands for community-supported agriculture. It is a system whereby locally grown produce is sold to members of the group through shares.
The USDA definition of a CSA is,
"In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing."
Who runs the CSA? Usually, the organization is run by the farmers, CSA members, and sponsoring organizations, if applicable.
What are some of the benefits of joining a CSA? Since the food is locally grown, it decreases the emissions of greenhouse gases. (Locally grown refers to the buying and eating of food that has been grown, manufactured, or produced entirely within a 100 mile radius of the residence of the individual who will be consuming the food. Please see The 100-Mile Diet for further details.) Because the produce is not flown in from overseas or trucked in from other parts of the country, less fuel is used. Less fuel = lower emissions. Lower emissions = better air quality.
Another plus is that the veggies arrive au natural--that is, no polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or expanded rigid polystyrene plastics are used for packaging (for the layman, this means no shrink wrap and Styrofoam). Since PVC and polystyrene-derived products will not break down into organic material in your or my lifetime, they will continue to contribute significantly to our solid waste problem. Reducing solid waste is ALWAYS a good thing.
Additionally, members receive a variety of veggies weekly and are exposed to produce they might not otherwise try.
Lastly, and in my opinion most importantly, membership supports our farmers who are being forced into debt through government subsidies. Please read The Omnivore's Dilemma for the lowdown.
This sounds like an eco-friendly and socially responsible idea, so why do I hate my CSA? Firstly, as a practicing locavore, the produce does not meet my definition for locally grown since the farm is 196.23 miles away. There are quite a few organic farms much closer than ~200 miles away. (Shamefully insert contradictory statement here: The flesh is weak; thus, I still enjoy the occasional mango, avocado, and plantain. What can I say? I am of Caribbean descent and sometimes I fall victim to my fond childhood memories.)
Secondly, it is hands down the singly most disorganized group to which I belong and for which I am an active participant. This is my first year as a member, and most likely my last.
In the coming season, I will outline my weekly disappointments. By no means do I wish to discourage anyone from joining a CSA. To the contrary, I simply want to demonstrate how a CSA should NOT be managed. For more information about CSAs in your NYC 'hood, please visit Just Food. Outside of the NYC area, please see the Local Harvest website.
The USDA definition of a CSA is,
"In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community's farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Typically, members or "share-holders" of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer's salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land and participating directly in food production. Members also share in the risks of farming, including poor harvests due to unfavorable weather or pests. By direct sales to community members, who have provided the farmer with working capital in advance, growers receive better prices for their crops, gain some financial security, and are relieved of much of the burden of marketing."
Who runs the CSA? Usually, the organization is run by the farmers, CSA members, and sponsoring organizations, if applicable.
What are some of the benefits of joining a CSA? Since the food is locally grown, it decreases the emissions of greenhouse gases. (Locally grown refers to the buying and eating of food that has been grown, manufactured, or produced entirely within a 100 mile radius of the residence of the individual who will be consuming the food. Please see The 100-Mile Diet for further details.) Because the produce is not flown in from overseas or trucked in from other parts of the country, less fuel is used. Less fuel = lower emissions. Lower emissions = better air quality.
Another plus is that the veggies arrive au natural--that is, no polyvinyl chloride (PVC) or expanded rigid polystyrene plastics are used for packaging (for the layman, this means no shrink wrap and Styrofoam). Since PVC and polystyrene-derived products will not break down into organic material in your or my lifetime, they will continue to contribute significantly to our solid waste problem. Reducing solid waste is ALWAYS a good thing.
Additionally, members receive a variety of veggies weekly and are exposed to produce they might not otherwise try.
Lastly, and in my opinion most importantly, membership supports our farmers who are being forced into debt through government subsidies. Please read The Omnivore's Dilemma for the lowdown.
This sounds like an eco-friendly and socially responsible idea, so why do I hate my CSA? Firstly, as a practicing locavore, the produce does not meet my definition for locally grown since the farm is 196.23 miles away. There are quite a few organic farms much closer than ~200 miles away. (Shamefully insert contradictory statement here: The flesh is weak; thus, I still enjoy the occasional mango, avocado, and plantain. What can I say? I am of Caribbean descent and sometimes I fall victim to my fond childhood memories.)
Secondly, it is hands down the singly most disorganized group to which I belong and for which I am an active participant. This is my first year as a member, and most likely my last.
In the coming season, I will outline my weekly disappointments. By no means do I wish to discourage anyone from joining a CSA. To the contrary, I simply want to demonstrate how a CSA should NOT be managed. For more information about CSAs in your NYC 'hood, please visit Just Food. Outside of the NYC area, please see the Local Harvest website.
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