This month we hosted a little giveaway for CSA members to celebrate the return of spring and the joys of eating local.

To enter was simple, folks just finished the sentence to share how they had grown or changed.

“Since joining the CSA …”

Six lucky winners got to choose a prize from my “CSA favorite things” basket.

Winner Shannon said, “Our cook-at-home dinner game has been elevated by tasty and quality meats!” and she chose a Stasher bag to add to her collection.

Winner Vikki said, “I’ve been more inspired to try new recipes” and she chose a copy of the cookbook Salt Fat Acid Heat to learn more about the science of cooking.

Winner Jaleh said, “I’m not afraid to roast whole chickens or large cuts of meat : )”. Love the honesty Jaleh! She chose a half-cup Souper Cube to freeze chicken stock and small portions for her toddler.

Sharing the CSA love

Here’s how other CSA members shared their experience “Since joining the CSA…”

• “I’ve become a better cook. That’s for sure!” -Nadia

• “I’ve cleared out my freezer, and gotten super excited to be part of this social group!” -Lindsey

• “We have have felt so much more connected to the food we eat.” -Corrie

• “I've told 90% of people I know to join a meat CSA.” -Taylor

• “I've delivered more eggs to the PDX Free Fridges (thanks to the hens of the old Double F) than a hog can shake its hoof at!” -Wally

• “I have cooked a greater variety of meat.” - Linda

• “I make the best meatloaf ever.” -Celia

• “I have better meat on my dinner table and more CSA friends.” -Liz

• “We have made so many delicious meals with the meat and feel better knowing where our meat comes from.” -Amelia

• “One of our kids became a vegetarian! More great CSA meat for the rest of us!” -Rachel

• “I’ve really appreciated the community efforts, especially during peak COVID when so many needed just a little extra help.” -Kari

• “I’ve lowered my anxiety around meal planning and meat consumption!” -Katie

• “I have been inspired to cook more and I have made good friends in the process. Thanks Double F! 😊” -Justin

• “I always get excited as I get closer to the pick up date, as I get another opportunity for meaty treasure hunt that feeds the family!” -Dzmitry

• “I’ve become better in the kitchen as a cook.” -Janice

• “We have nearly eliminated out meat purchases elsewhere. It feels so good to only eat meat that is locally grown by farmers we know!” -Catherine

• “We have been enjoying better quality of meat and exploring new recipes.” -Megumi

• “We've lowered our family's climate impact, joined a community dedicated to actively supporting small scale ranchers, and enjoyed the best meat we've ever had!” -Cody

• “I feel like a more responsible omnivore and I’m exploring more parts of the animal than I used to which is fun.” -Summer

• “We explore different recipes to cook the meat we usually don't buy at a store. My biggest hit is a pork shoulder to make Mexican carne for taco night.” -Naomi

• “I've become a meat snob! I also love watching your family and farm grow.” -Tina

• “Since joining the CSA I feel much better about the meat we eat! It is contientiously sourced, fresh and delicious! Meal planning is easier because I "shop" my freezer filled with Oregon grown instead of the supermarket vast displays of animals raised in potentially poor conditions. I feel good about supporting my local rancher! Win! Win!” -Roberta

• “We’ve enjoyed the most incredible lamb.” -Steve

• “I’m challenging myself more in the kitchen.” -Ashley

• “We are more deeply nourished, connected to our food, our community, and stress less about meal time! We are so grateful and love the CSA!” -Jessica

• “We have learned what real, delicious meat should taste like and are teaching our children about how to eat and support local food sources!” -Lauren

• “I am incorporating pork into regular cooking rotation! Slow cooker pork chops, ground pork stir fry… I had no idea how much I loved all these non-bacon cuts!” -Wendy

• “I spend every Sunday morning planning my cooking adventures.” - Emma