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What is a CSA?

Sunday, 18 October 2009 02:15 Eat Organic & Halal Admin
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Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a relationship of mutual support and commitment between farmers and community members. It implies a willingness to share both the bounty from the land and at least some of the risks involved with its production.

Before the growing season, a farmer sells member shares in the upcoming harvest. During the season, the farmer brings fresh, organic produce, meat, and poultry to our community once a week, Distribution takes place at a central location, and each member picks up his or her share.

Payment is required before the season begins to provide a stable, financial base for the farm. This allows the farmer to purchase seeds, hire labor, and get the season started without having to take out high-interest loans.

In order to make the CSA work, every member pitches in. We ask members to contribute at least two 2-hour session working at our distribution site. This allows members to meet our farmer and other CSA members, and it helps to keep the administrative fee low.

In addition to the distribution of food, the CSA is involved in donating food to needy families and organizations that serve the poor. We’ll also share recipes, take trips to the farm, and have cooking demonstrations.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 October 2009 04:42 )
 

How We Got Started

Sunday, 18 October 2009 01:50 Eat Organic & Halal Admin
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Al-Ma’ida CSA is dedicated to finding viable options for pure and nutritious food and environmentally sustainable agriculture. Health is at the heart of Al-Ma’ida’s mission: health of the body and health of the Earth. We do this by bringing NY/NJ consumers and local organic farmers together in a mutually beneficial partnership.

We operate on a not-for-profit basis. There is no compensation for any of the people who do work for Al-Ma’ida CSA; it is a strictly volunteer operation. Any money that we collect either goes directly to the farmer or towards the operation of the CSA.

The produce, meats, and vegetables we distribute are all raised organically. This means no steroids or hormones, synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, no antibiotics, or other synthetic chemicals.

Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 October 2009 02:14 )
 

What is Halal? What is Zabiha?

Sunday, 18 October 2009 02:07 Eat Organic & Halal Admin
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Is there a difference?

Halal is an Arabic word that means, “lawful” or “permitted.” The opposite of halal is haram, which means “prohibited” or “forbidden.” In our context, these terms refer to food that is lawful or forbidden for Muslims to eat. Since most foods are halal, it’s easier to define the limitations of the Muslim diet by explaining what is haram for Muslims to eat. Forbidden foods include:

Last Updated ( Sunday, 18 October 2009 02:13 ) Read more...