We hear much noise over the need to buy local and especially, organic.  The Obamas are one reason, but the past several years have seen a backlash against processed foods and a surge in combating the USA's hideous obesity problem.  Buying organic, however, requires more than purchasing products with a green leaf on the label.  I am becoming increasing suspect of farmers markets, which often have more vendors selling junk (from abroad) than actual food--and many of these booths are staffed by folks who, chances are, have never even seen the farm that they are purportedly representing.  If I had more gumption, I'd ask the fellow who sells bananas at the Saturday market near our home if they are REALLY from the Santa Ynez Valley, but I restrain myself.  Then there is the over-packaging that I see at my favorite store, Trader Joe's--most, MOST of their produce is from Mexico.  Whole Foods is overpriced.  And with the demand for cheap and organic produce, more farmers are getting squeezed, and standards and quality, in my view, are declining.  So what is a conscious consumer, or concerned parent, to do?

• You learn about new vegetables.  Look, most veggies really only need some olive oil, salt, and pepper for preparation.  Recipes are easy to find on the Internet.  So you will be introduced to produce you have never thought of trying, from kale to chard to rutabagas. 
• Save time, money (and gas!).  Why stress yourself during the week to pick up more groceries at stores that often only offer marginal produce anyway?  Having a weekly delivery saves you the hassle.  Chances are you will stay ahead financially, and get a better deal instead of stressing over finding a parking space at Whole Foods on your way home from work.
• You will eat healthier.  If you are frugal, the thought of produce decomposing in your fridge probably gives you the willies.  Having a steady stream of fresh food will encourage you to make better food choices and to eat better grub.  You'll take salads to work, have braised chard for dinner, perhaps a weekend breakfast hash of beets and potatoes.  Plus the best fast food is a pear or apple not slathered in wax.
• Local farmers benefit.  Get over whether the farms participating in your CSA are "organic" or not.  If you are in New York, buying organic from California, or even Mexico, is pointless--what about all that fuel needed to haul your food across the country?  Many CSA farms are organic in practice--they may not have met the standards for organic only because their land hasn't met the time requirements to be "ordained" as an organic farm.  Furthermore, farmers participating in CSA programs get much needed cash early in the season, not just at peak harvests, so they have improved cash flow--which means they will stay in business.
• You'll appreciate the seasons.  We are so used to having our avocados or strawberries available year round that we do not realize how tasteless and mealy most imported produce really is.  Look, I love Chile.  I love Chilean avocados--in Chile.  But the Chilean avocados shipped here most likely have done jail time in a warehouse.  Appreciate what's available seasonally--and you'll love your fruits and vegetables even more!  Chances are, if you have children, they will eat more fruits and veggies, too.
• You will get to know, and love, your food.  Some CSAs allow customers to visit the farm once or twice a year--who could resist a field trip to the countryside?  And you'll find that the produce tastes better because it has not been serving time in some random warehouse.

Trying to stay healthy?  Want to lose weight?  Consider having salad for breakfast.  I know it sounds crazy, but it's a healthy, vitamin infused way to start the day (for 2 people):