Community-supported agriculture, or CSA, offers an effective way to support local farmers while putting farm-fresh produce on your table, writes Lillian Gerczyk for Philadelphia magazine.

Here are four CSA programs this spring and summer in Chester County:

Charlestown Farm in Phoenixville grows fresh and delicious produce all year long. Shares start the first week of June and run until the week before Thanksgiving. A weekly share costs $875, bi-weekly $525. 

Down to Earth Harvest in Downingtown boasts flexible shares. This year, there are two programs: the summer option runs from mid-May to mid-August and the fall option from mid-August to Thanksgiving. Weekly ($756) and bi-weekly ($378) commitments are available. 

Sankanac CSA in Kimberton offers a full share ($786) designed for a family of four and a partial share ($450) aimed at one to two people. Shares are packed with vegetables, berries, flowers, and herbs and run from early June through mid-November. 

Woman-owned Vollmecke Farm & CSA in Coatesville offers fruit and vegetables in small ($410), medium ($645), and large ($940) sizes. Egg shares are also available. The CSA program starts in early June and runs for 22 weeks. 

Read more about local CSAs in Philadelphia magazine.