New CSA Option – Specialty Produce!
I know Specialty Produce under the guise of my school’s produce and grocery suppliers, but I was very pleased to discover recently that they now have a consumer Farmers’ Market Bag program.
It’s along the same lines as other Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs I’ve mentioned before, but in this case Specialty Produce has created a weekly market bag sourced from various farms from whom they contract, all of which are local, organic and sustainable. I should say, all of the products in the FMB program are sourced from the local, organic and sustainable farms. Specialty, being a large distributor, naturally contracts with other produce suppliers as well.
The advantage to this program is that a) their price point is better and b) you don’t have to estimate weekly usage and subscribe for a whole quarter. You can buy each week on Sunday to be picked up on Thursday, if that is your preference, though you are afforded the option of ordering up to 4 weeks at one time.
I consider this (and any CSA) program a viable alternative to weekly attendance at the Farmers’ Markets about town for a few reasons. One, I can’t get to any of the markets without driving since Sami outgrew the bike seat on my old bike, and parking is a sketchy prospect. Two, I’m terrible about deciding what to buy, and I kind of like the surprise element of a pre-selected array of products. Three, it saves me time and effort. Don’t get me wrong. I love the Farmers’ Market in Hillcrest as much as the next person, but not if I have to circle blocks on end and burn gas to get there and find a spot. I’m a little overcommitted and I like to cook at home or have brunch with my family on Sundays.
The best part of Specialty’s offering is that they also offer selected orders from Venissimo for California cheeses, Peerless for organic coffee, Bread on Market for baguettes and specialty bread, and other local vendors for a weekly fish, chocolate and pantry staple selections. I think this is so cool, and I’ll put my money where my mouth is – I’ve placed an order to be picked up this Thursday and resolve to have cleared out extraneity and spoilage from my fridge by the time I bring that bag home.
Specialty Produce’s new FMB plan is an exciting option if you’re unsure of your future plans and don’t want to commit to a quarter at a time of a produce selection that may well be too big or too small for your needs. It’s price-effective, and from a trusted San Diego vendor. Sold! I’ll be happy to report back on what I find on Thursday after pickup.
Where are you getting your produce? Do you like it, and why/why not?
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I love going to the farmer’s market, but I wish it was some time other than Sunday morning. Oftentimes I find myself buying inferior grocery store produce just to get out of leaving the house.
I belong to the bewise ranch csa (http://www.bewiseranch.com/). I split a weekly large box with two other households. I adore the surprise. Of course I also like that I’m supporting a local family owned farm. The produce itself is far superior to what I can find in most markets. of course, I can find bewise produce at my local jimbos market, but its far more expensive there.
cheryl, let me know how you like it. i’m content with my current produce situation (plus, they’re too far away to be realistic). but i really like the idea of weekly cheese, bread, and jam.
Hi there. I found your blog through SP. I’ve been getting the bag from them for about 5 or 6 weeks now, I love it! I just wanted to note that not all of their produce is organic. That’s my only complaint, otherwise it’s fantastic!
I go to the Hollywood Farmers’ Market as often as I can. It’s on Sunday mornings, and I LOVE it. It’s a ritual for me. I go to my coffee guys, talk about Seattle or fun stuff, then down the way, to the left, and then up and back, and sometimes down the other side, then to sometimes get a croissant, and then to cocktails.
Yes, it’s a pattern and a lovely habit.
Hi Helena! The SP farmers’ market bag FAQ says that what’s included in their bag is from the sustainable/organic/local farms. I know that Specialty carries non-organic produce as well but I understood the FMB program to be about the organic stuff. Have there been non-organic items in your bags?
Jess, I used to be a member of Be Wise and I discontinued for a reason, which I will share with you privately. It had to do with something I learned from one of my chefs at school, who is well connected with farms and suppliers. I’d been kind of sad about it, which is why this Specialty Produce program is exciting for me. But pickup at the harbor would be way too far to be practical for you, as you said. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.