Our friends at Feast Down East are offering weekly Farmer’s CSA boxes to those local to Wilmington and surrounding areas. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) boxes are an excellent way to to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer, while supporting your local growers and economy.

Feast Down East is a local nonprofit organization working to grow the local food system in Southeastern NC. They are on a mission is to strengthen the farming communities in and around the Wilmington area by providing resources, education and distribution opportunities to farmers while addressing equitable food access in communities with the greatest need.

Each CSA box purchase helps to support our community and local agriculture. It also provides more opportunities for food access for all – something that we’re passionate about at NFC. Their weekly boxes feature a rotating selection of produce from local farms. Purchase one to try out something new, or set up a monthly order. You can even add local eggs to your order for an additional fee.

Want a peek inside a box? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a rough idea of the variety you can expect in your box. (Keep in mind – the offerings rotate weekly to guarantee the freshest, most delicious produce. So this is just to provide an idea!)

Here are some great meals that I’ve pulled together so far this week using my box. It’s been a fun challenge using new to me produce (beets!) alongside some of my very favorites (tomatoes and kale!) I’ve linked to a recipe wherever possible.

• Panzanella with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and fresh herbs: Pure summertime goodness in a one bowl meal.
• Roasted red potatoes with kale, pickled red onion, and a dijon vinaigrette: I made a spin on this recipe. Make extra sauce and dip everything in it, trust me.
• Sautéed kale with crispy roasted zucchini: Came together in 30 minutes or less. So satisfying and flavorful! We’ve probably made that sautéed kale recipe 20 times, at least. Our favorite way to eat it!
• Roasted beet dip with vegetable fritters: my husband can’t stop talking about this one! A great way to try something new. Plus, that color makes everything more fun.
• Quick and delicious kale chips: a great snack for the beach or park dates!
• Fresh berries: No recipe needed for this one. Just rinse and enjoy! It’s strawberry season and these taste like pure sunshine.

Place your CSA box order online, then swing by and pick it up on Thursday. Pickup is currently offered on Thursdays, with two local locations: Burgaw from 2-3pm and Wilmington from 4-6pm.

Not quite ready to order a full box? Feast Down East also offers a weekly, year round mobile farmers’ market that offers fresh produce at a variety of locations around town. Click here for the latest information on their dates and locations. Anyone is welcome to shop at their mobile market sites! Explore a variety of fresh produce grown within a 50 mile radius of home while supporting local farmers.

We hope you have some fun experimenting with fresh new flavors this season!