It's no secret, fresh fruits and vegetables can be costly in these tough economic times. FOX17's Stacy Case is saving you money with ways to put healthy eating back in your budget. At Delvin Farms in College Grove it's always picking season. The year round farm runs a community supported agriculture program, or CSA.

"A CSA pairs a consumer with the farmer so they know who's growing their food and how their food is being grown and in our case, it's certified organic," says Cindy Delvin.

What's even better, it's fresher and cheaper than produce at the grocery. Shipping and fuel costs influence the price you pay in the store. At a local CSA, the fruits and veggies don't have to travel over 20-30 miles from the farm.

"With a CSA you geet what's called maybe wholesale prices if you are in teh restaurant business, and you're not paying the full retail price you would at a farmer's market," says Amy Delvin.

A box to feed a family of 4 averages out to $30 a week.

"I would save probably $4-500 because we don't go out to eat as much," says Linda Carlson.

This CSA offers free freezing and canning classes to teach customers how to stretch their stock and their money even further.

"Right now I have a lot of stuff in my freezer I know we'll use all winter," says Suzanne Overton. "The butternut squash saves really well. I have kale and chard in my freezer right now and peppers that we'll use all winter."

Local CSA's like Delvin Farms help bring the farm to the table for frugal families. They're getting the freshest possible food literally harvested the day they get it. Most CSA's require you to sign up for 5 months at a time, but the savings can be worth it if you're willing to eat seasonal produce and plan your meals around what comes in your box.Food on the Farm