Support Your Local Farmer
Spring may not quite be in the air yet, but it’s time to start thinking about fresh-farm produce from local growers.
The three farms which operated “community-supported agriculture” programs — CSAs, for short — out of the New Farmers Market in Spokane last year are looking for new members for this year.
Members of a CSA pay a one-time flat fee before the growing season starts in return for weekly deliveries of organic produce, typically from June through September. That helps put farms on firmer financial ground, while giving customers more involvement in where their food comes from.
Tolstoy Farms near Davenport, Wash., the oldest and largest local CSA, hopes to serve 50 members this season, up from last year’s 34. The basic fee is $300; a season-end storage supply of carrots, onions, potatoes and winter squash is available for another $115. For more information, call (509) 725-0610 or e-mail to bright@famrc.org.
Providence Valley Farm in Lamont, Wash., which started a CSA last year, wants to expand from its initial 17 members to between 20 and 25. Vegetable shares are $360, with farm-raised lamb and goat available by separate order. Call (509) 257-2007 or e-mail to providencevalleyfarm@juno.com.
And Haven Farms near Airway Heights, also in its second year of CSA operation, is planning an increase from seven members to 20. Full shares are $330, with half-shares for singles and smaller families available for $165; the farm has added pastured chickens to its offerings this season. Call 244-2033.
Green grocers
It’s not quite St. Patrick’s Day, either. But would-be Celtic cooks can plan ahead for the festivities by ordering a free brochure that features traditional recipes and explains their history and their role in Irish literature.
Send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to “Literally Irish, Literally Delicious,” c/o Irish Food Board, 12 West 37th Street, Fourth Floor, New York, NY 10018.
The recipes (also available on the Internet at www.askireland.com) call for specialty, imported ingredients for the most authentic flavor; the brochure includes phone numbers and Web addresses for suppliers.
Eat globally
For those with more adventurous ethnic tastes, Gonzaga University’s International Student Union presents its annual dinner Saturday at 7 p.m. at the COG on campus.
Along with food from an assortment of nationalities, the event includes ethnic dancing and other entertainment, and informational booths about various cultures. Tickets are $10; for more information, call 328-5449.