Tired of taking trips to the grocery store for the same fruits and veggies each week? A farm box could be just what you need to save on time, gas and groceries. Whether you join a local Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program or sign up for a farm box subscription, you’ll get incredibly fresh produce to enjoy.
3 farm box benefits
Support local farms and farmers.
When you join a CSA program, you purchase “shares” of a farm’s harvest, which help cover their costs before each growing season. In return, you’ll get some of the freshest fruits and veggies around. It’s also a great way to connect with your community, get to know your local farmers, and learn more about how your food grows.
Enjoy seasonal and locally grown fruits and vegetables.
Say goodbye to bland berries and wilted greens — get the tastiest produce when it’s in season. Every box will be different, so there are plenty of chances to try something new. Many CSA and farm boxes are customizable, so you can pick and choose your items.
Save time and money.
As grocery and gas prices go up, farm boxes can help bring some costs down. They’re made to be affordable, often include enough produce for a week or more, and can feed between 1-8+ people. If you don’t have time to pick up a farm box in person, find out if delivery is available.
We partner with Farm Fresh to You to offer 20% off your first five deliveries and 15% off future deliveries after your fifth farm box.
Enjoying and storing your farm box bounty
Try these quick tips to get the most out of your box:
- Eat the most perishable produce first. Berries, lettuce, tender leafy greens and herbs can grow mold or wilt quickly. Try these blueberry banana overnight oats or a colorful winter salad to enjoy them at their peak.
- Don’t wash your produce until you’re ready to eat it. Dry off any items that are damp to help keep them from spoiling.
- For longer storage, wash, chop and freeze fruits and veggies. Toss them into pastas, stir-fries, smoothies, soups or sauces. Try these five warm soups for cold nights.
Eat well and feel your best
CSA and farm boxes are great ways to support your California’s farms while enjoying delicious, fresh produce. For more ways to eat well and stay active in the New Year, check out our no-cost Best Health® wellness program. As a Sharp Health Plan member, you have access to online wellness tools, one-on-one health coaching and more resources to help you reach your goals. Getting started is easy — just sign in or create a Best Health account.