To the Editor:

The Helderberg Hilltowns Association has a remedy for your wintertime blahs: pick-your-own blueberries, fresh tomatoes and basil, or handcrafted rustic bread. It’s CSA (community supported agriculture) season, a time to support local agriculture by buying a share in a farm’s food production.

When you buy a CSA membership now, you enable the farmer to purchase materials for the growing season. Then, during the summer and early fall, you’ll reap the benefits by receiving fresh produce on a weekly basis.

You’ll also have the assurance of knowing where your food comes from and how it is grown. Many producers share recipes and food storage tips as well.

In the Hilltowns and neighboring towns, we’re fortunate to have several produce CSAs that are accepting members now. We also have year-round CSAs specializing in meats, eggs, or breads, as well as an online farmers’ market, all with rolling memberships. To learn more, we invite you to visit our new website at http://www.hilltowns.org/csa-information.html.

Sadly, my husband and I finished the last of our CSA butternut squash last night. On a happier note, today I’m writing a check for our share in a Hilltown farming operation. If you’d like more information, feel free to contact me at 872-2082 or jbmclean@aol.com

Jane B. McLean, vice president

Helderberg Hilltowns Association