Time to eat!

This article at the SUN TIMES reminded me it's time to sign up for a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program this summer. Personally, I hate grocery shopping and am always disappointed by the produce at Jewel or Dominick's, these programs are a great way to support local farmers, eat healthy, and they're convenient. There are plenty of pickup spots in the neighborhood, check out the interactive map on www.localharvest.org to find the one nearest you.

"An estimated 5,000 families in the Chicago area participated in CSAs last year. Jim Slama, president of FamilyFarmed.org, a group that advocates for local food systems, says he expects that number to go up again this harvest season.

"CSAs and the local food movement are both exploding," he says. "People want to be able to know and trust their farmer and thus know and trust their food."

A full share of 20 weeks of produce is $695 and should offer plenty for a family of four. Half shares -- what I opted for -- are $450.

"It sounds expensive until you average it out over the course of 20 weeks and realize that it comes out to be about $5 a day for certified organic fruits and vegetables."