Massapequa Park area residents who want to receive farm-fresh, organically grown vegetables on a weekly basis during the 2006 growing season should reserve a share in the Community Supported Agriculture program with a pick-up location at 91 Laurel Drive in Massapequa Park.

Community Supported Agriculture, also known as CSA, is an arrangement that links a community together with a nearby farmer in a direct, mutually beneficial partnership. Members of the community buy shares in a farm's harvest on an annual basis.

In return, the farmer provides a weekly supply of fresh, organic produce throughout the growing season (approximately 27 weeks from May through November) along with a newsletter with cooking tips, storage ideas and recipes for enjoying the weekly bounty.

The Golden Earthworm Organic Farm, a certified organic farm located in Jamesport on the North Fork of Long Island, will provide freshly harvested fruits and vegetables for the Massapequa Park CSA this season. Farmers Matthew Kurek and James Russo have been running CSA programs on Long Island for over six years, and are committed to strengthening local families and communities, and expanding awareness about food, health and agricultural issues.

They offer events throughout the season for their members, including farm tours, cooking workshops, organic gardening and composting programs, and a large CSA potluck event in the fall.

"CSA is a win-win partnership," said Maggie Kurek, the farm's CSA Director, "Members receive healthy, delicious food that hasn't traveled thousands of miles from farm to plate, and farmers receive the local support they need. The comfort of knowing where your food comes from is a really big part of the CSA experience. Most people are used to the supermarkets, but now they can put a farmer's face to their food - It's just like having their own personal farmer."

A farm tour for prospective CSA members will be held at the farm in Jamesport on Sunday, May 7 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. All are invited. Visit www.goldenearthworm.com or call the farm at 631-722-3302 for more information and directions.