Today we received our first CSA fruit and veggie box from Gathering Together Farm. CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and it's like buying a share of a farm. You pay the farm at the beginning of the season, and in return get a box of fresh produce every week. It's so great because you are helping to support local farms while getting a big box of yummy, fresh produce. We participated in a CSA when we lived in Massachusetts, and we are so excited to do it again out here. It's great inspiration to try some new recipes, and it is so healthy!
We pick up our weekly share at the farmer's market in Corvallis on Saturdays, and have started a new tradition - we pick up our produce, the kids get a doughnut and then we pick up a fresh bouquet of flowers for the house. We determined $5 a week is definitely worth the happiness that fresh flowers bring. It also somehow helps me keep the house picked up a little more...pretty flowers in a vase just look so out of place surrounded by a mess!
ETA: Yes, I do realize the irony of letting my kids have doughnuts while getting a big box of produce. They are really good about eating fruits and veggies, though, so it's a nice little treat. :)