Impact of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) Membership on Dietary Habits and Food Waste in Central Minnesota CSA Programs

The popularity of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is rising, yet information regarding membership, scope, and efficacy of CSA programs in encouraging healthy eating habits is limited. In Summer 2017, we investigated three central-MN CSA programs, including the Common Ground Garden at CSB, to better determine the demographics of CSA members and the impact of CSA membership on dietary habits. Food waste from CSA shares was also determined. Results from this research will be shared and utilized to move forward on CSA outreach to populations needing better access to healthy foods