Trying to switch to more organic, local food...CSA/farmers' market recs?

[Anonymous]

Hi all,
I am interetsed in switching my family to healthier, more organic and/or more locally-grown foods but I don't want to break the bank.
I live in Bethesda. Can anyone recommend a fantastic farmers' market or CSA that delivers??

[Anonymous]

OP here - I'd also be interested in hearing about a local creamery that delivers - we spend TONS of money at Costco on organic milk so I'd love to funnel that money to a local famr if possible. Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Try South Mountain Veggies. Check their website to see if they have openings in your area. I don't use their creamery (which is how they started), because it's not organic. However, the vegetable delivery is supposed to be all organic, from SMC and other local farms. I've had no luck getting into a CSA, organic or otherwise.

[Anonymous]

South Mtn. Creamery isn't certified organic, because that costs quite a bit of money, but I think generally their practices are consistent with those of organic milk producers. While I would prefer they were "certified", I am happier using them than using a factory farm that managed to get certified (such as Horizon). Cornucopia has published a lot of info. on how the cheaper organic brands are in many ways just as problematic as conventional dairies. http://www.cornucopia.org/dairy_brand_ratings/

OP, you might also try Washington Green Grocer-- I think they have an organic option.

[Anonymous]

Even' Star Organic Farm, Lexington, MD, runs a summer and winter CSA that are very good value for the quality and freshness of the food. No dairy. We stopped this year, however, because we were overwhelmed by the quantity of mustardy leafy greens last winter (I'm pregnant and couldn't stand the thought of them in the house!). We might start up again next summer.

They have a pick-up location in downtown Bethesda that you go to every week. They also sell - at a premium - their wares at the saturday Chevy Chase farmers' market in DC. I believe Brett, the owner, used to be a chef, and he is very competent and professional.

We go to Whole Foods for meat and organic dairy.

[Anonymous]

If you don't mind pickup I have heard from many sources that Norman's Farm Market is an excellent CSA - they have three different pickup spots in Southern Montgomery County, and they source to various local farms in the area, including their own. It is $500 or so for the entire spring/summer/fall season for a full share (i.e. family of four).

[Anonymous]

Also, if you're going to buy organic milk in the grocery store - go with Organic Valley - they source to family farmers - not big agribusiness like Horizon.

[Anonymous]

Organic milk from Trader Joes is MUCH cheaper than COSTCO. TJ's in general seems to have lower prices than Whole Paycheck.

[Anonymous]

a bunch of people i know like washington green grocer.

[Anonymous]

We just started with South Mountain veggies. Kind of like getting a Christmas present every week. What will we get? Good stuff so far.

Only drawback so far is that you have to figure out how to use everything you get. For example, we've been getting lots of winter squash and my family doesn't care much for it, so I am having to cook a lot of it for lunch at the office.

[Anonymous]

Thanks everyone - I appreciate all this feedback!

[Anonymous]

"Organic milk from Trader Joes is MUCH cheaper than COSTCO. TJ's in general seems to have lower prices than Whole Paycheck."

Yes, but their milk is sourced from big agribusiness, not family farms like Organic Valley.

[Anonymous]

Get veggies and dairy/meat from South Mountain Veggies/Creamery. We do the biweekly veggie delivery which gives me 2 weeks to figure out how to use everything. Made some green beans and potatoes last night. The Bruscos are very nice to work with and they just had their big farm tour/visit but I think you can go out to the farm to check it out throughout the year. I may be wrong though.

Agree that it is very expensive to be certified organic. This was one of the problems that when the veggie delivery was starting up was that many amish farms that practice organic farming were being considered for the South Mountain deliveries but they could not afford to be certified.

[Anonymous]

I just tried door-to-door organics via a DCUM recommendation. You can google them. I got one box of veggies and fruit and was pleased with the service & the quality.