You might not be familiar with the term “CSA,” but if you want excellent produce, then you’ll want to know about these initials. CSA stands for “community supported agriculture.” Unlike the typical method of food delivery, CSAs give people direct access to the regional farms that grow their food.

There are many substantial benefits to the CSA approach. Typically, CSAs let members opt for weekly or bi-weekly options. Simply purchase a share and for several months out of the year, you’ll receive the freshest produce available. The only way to receive fresher produce is to, of course, grow your own. Let’s explore the world of CSA and take a look at the 5 top reasons that you’ll want to consider joining a CSA.

Reason #1 to Join a CSA-Quality

The food quality for CSAs is usually much better than what people expect. The reason that CSAs provide people with excellent food is that you get food directly sent to you; this bypasses the normal distribution chain process. Avoiding the typical process is no small matter when it comes to food quality. If you want great tasting produce, then nothing beats farm fresh. That is exactly what CSAs consistently deliver. You’ll be impressed at the difference when it comes to flavor.

Reason #2 to Join a CSA-Nutrition

Produce quality and nutrition truly go hand-in-hand. Fresher produce contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants than food that has been sitting around, sometimes for weeks, waiting to be bought. The simple fact is that the nutrition levels of fresh fruits and vegetables is completely superior to vegetables that have been farmed and then shipped, often across country or from around the world, only to sit for days or weeks until consumed. Produce from a CSA is usually vastly fresher than produce at your typical grocery store or even co-op. Those looking for the best tasting and most nutritionals food possible will want to join a CSA.

Reason #3 to Join a CSA-Lower Your Carbon Footprint

As the name indicates, CSAs are community based; this means that your food isn’t traveling from hundreds of miles away. Instead, you can be certain that your food is produced locally and then consumed locally. By opting to consume as much local food as possible, you are taking a big step in lowering your carbon footprint. The food that you find in most grocery stores has been transported hundreds or even thousands of miles. However, with a CSAs, this is not a concern. Join a CSA and you’re sure to lower your carbon footprint.

Reason #4 to Join a CSA-Produce Makes People Happy

Having more fruits and vegetables on hand, especially those with superior taste, will encourage you to eat more produce and that has a wide array of positive benefits. A recent study reached a very unexpected conclusion. The study sought out participants who consumed very low levels of fruits and vegetables. These “low vegetable and fruit” participants were instructed to consume 8 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The results were, in short, amazing.

The participants reported a dramatic spike in overall happiness levels. In fact, the increase in happiness levels was roughly on par with the increase in happiness levels experienced by unemployed people when they landed a new job. Again, this dramatic spike in overall reported happiness levels resulted from the simple act of consuming more fruits and vegetables.

Fruits and vegetables make people feel better. Medical science has told us for decades that fruits and vegetables can boost our health, but now we know that fruits and vegetables can boost our mood in a dramatic fashion. Joining a CSA will increase the number of fruits and vegetables you consume and that will boost your mood.

Reason Number Five to Join a CSA-Better Health

CSA food is some of the healthiest food that you can find. If you’ve been looking for a way to improve your diet, then a CSA is a great place to begin the process. The vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and disease and cancer fighting properties of fresh produce are greater in fresher produce. Very fresh produce doesn’t just taste better, but it is also better for you in a range of ways. Modern medicine knows that fresh fruits and vegetables improves overall health as produce boosts immunity and contains compounds that fight diseases including cancer.

One of the single greatest steps you can take to safeguard your own health is to opt for a CSA. CSAs bring great produce directly to you. The produce is far fresher, far tastier and far better for you.

One of the most striking aspects of joining a CSA is the surprising taste that comes along with it. Farm direct food is often completely different than food that has been shipped thousands of miles.

It is no accident that many chefs at top restaurants carefully choose their own food from nearby farms. Chefs understand that great taste, of course, begins with the food itself. Fresh ingredients can be an inspiration.

The food is the foundation of a great meal. If you are a foodie, then you owe it to yourself to join a CSA. By joining a CSA, you are supporting small farms while boosting your own health and enjoying truly amazing food and lowering your carbon footprint. It is a win-win all the way around!