Community-supported agriculture in the Research Triangle region of North Carolina: demographics and effects of membership on household food supply and diet.

摘要

Community-supported agriculture (CSA) is relatively new in North Carolina, USA, and growing rapidly with approx. 60 CSA farms. CSA members belonging to 5 farms in the Research Triangle (central) region of North Carolina were administered a survey instrument designed to collect data in the following areas: demographic characteristics; how members 1st learned about their CSA and reasons for joining; the different sources from which fruit and vegetables enter the household; outcomes and utilization of their weekly CSA share; and fruit and vegetable consumption. The survey was distributed to 448 members of 5 CSA farms during the 2007 season and a non-CSA control group (n = 97); 210 CSA member surveys were completed and analysed. Findings indicated that CSA members tend to be Caucasian, middle-aged, married, economically secure and highly educated. The primary ways consumers heard of their CSAs were friends/acquaintances and the Internet/CSA Web sites. Additionally, members cited supporting local farms, healthier eating and knowing where your foods come from as major reasons for joining a CSA. CSAs provided 46% of a household's weekly produce, and the majority (75%) of produce obtained from CSAs was consumed, with only a small percentage discarded. CSA members consumed significantly more servings of fruits and vegetables and a greater variety of these foods than non-CSA controls.