CSA (Community Supported Agriculture / Controlled Segregated Access): The privilege in eating local, organic, and naturally raised foods

Community-Supported-Agriculture (CSA) programs consist of a community of individuals who pledge their support to a farm by paying an upfront fee (generally ranging from $250-$700, depending on the share size and time length) in exchange for a routine allotment of the farm's bounty. This study sought to understand the demographics in CSA participation throughout Indiana. A mixed-methods framework, which included 13 interviews and survey data collected from 274 (32.9% rr) participants was used to explore participation among a random sample of 17 Indiana CSAs. Our findings suggest that CSAs have controlled segregated access, and that the vast majority of participants are part of the privileged class, with smaller than proportionate numbers of minority persons accessing CSAs (95.3% Caucasian). Additionally, participants had a higher than normal income level (62.4% above $75,000), as well as above normal level for education (85.6% bachelor's). This study's results suggest that accessibility to local and local organic foods through CSAs is extremely dependent on variables of privilege, with participants falling deeply within the privilege model (Farmer, 2008). Our findings are consistent with current research, suggesting that local food systems are deeply embedded within areas of affluence. Our findings present a need for systems that support the establishment of local food opportunities among populations who are not part of the privileged class, showcasing examples of CSA payment schemes that incorporate alternative payment strategies to make their fresh foods accessible to a diversity of people.