Joining Rita’s Roots Community Supported Agriculture program was the best decision I’ve made in 2008. I had to come up with a chunk of change back in the winter doldrums ($325), but she put it to good use on seeds and materials and delivered a hefty, hearty box of fresh produce every Tuesday for the last 13 weeks.

I made a lot of changes in my life to take on this job two years ago, and it’s been hard to find the time to eat right with the busy schedule City Paper demands (The day I began this position I’d eaten nothing but raw foods for a month — I would never dream of trying to do that now). But the CSA saved me the time I’d have spent in the grocery store, and demanded I put everything to use or see it go to waste. It’s a win-win and I haven’t eaten so well since living on an organic farm in California.

I fully intended to document every week’s box in pictures as the season’s harvest gradually shifted from greens to root veggies, but sharing with friends and a busy schedule messed me up early on.

These shots should give you a good idea of the all around wonderfulness of the whole program. I made everything from turnip hash to carrot dogs to chilis to Ital stew to squash souffles, and fortunately I’ve got a good bit frozen to hold me over until the fall season CSA kicks off in a couple months.