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With grocery prices already sky-high, new tariffs on agricultural imports could make your next shopping trip even more painful. But there’s a smart, sustainable way to outsmart the price spikes: join a local CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program.

Tariffs are taxes placed on goods imported from other countries. They directly raise the cost of everything from avocados to bell peppers when applied to food. Worse, retaliatory tariffs and rising equipment costs mean that even domestic farms may start raising prices to stay afloat. It’s a ripple effect, and consumers are stuck with the bill.

Enter the CSA: a subscription to a local farm that delivers fresh, seasonal produce right to your door or a nearby pickup site. It’s one of the best ways to get nutrient-rich food at a fair price and helps your local farmers stay in business during uncertain times.

CSA veggies are typically harvested within 24 hours, meaning they’re fresher, tastier, and often more nutritious than supermarket produce that’s been shipped across the globe. And since you’re buying directly from the source, you’re often getting a better deal than you would at the store, especially when tariffs jack up the price of imported goods.

Even better? You’re investing in your community. Local CSAs strengthen regional food systems and keep money circulating close to home. They also reduce the environmental impact of long-distance food transport.

In a time when food prices are unpredictable and supply chains are shaky, your CSA box could be the smartest grocery decision you make all year. It’s not just about saving money—it’s about building resilience, one fresh head of lettuce at a time.