A crisp carrot, the sweet taste of a sugar snap pea and the heady scent of basil from a local farm are months away for most Alexandrians, but for Old Towners interested in reaping the bounty of harvest season, now is the time to act.

Mindful Hands on King Street participates in a community-supported agriculture project through a partnership with Bluemont, Va.-based Great Country Farms. The Old Town store is now taking applications for membership.

This project started five years ago when a member of one of Mindful Hands’ meditation groups was also the owner of a small farm in southern Maryland. He was looking for a drop-off point to offer individuals farm produce, and Mindful Hands store owner Sally Scime volunteered.

The project has since switched to produce provided by the larger Great Country Farms, and the initial farm involved found the drive to Alexandria cumbersome as its only drop-off point in the area.

Mindful Hands CSA project members enjoy a grocery bag full of vegetables, fruits and herbs during Great Country’s 20-week harvest season from May through October.

The idea is part of the local food movement, according to Scime (pronounced she-may). “Many people don’t realize that a lot of products sold in grocery stores - especially vegetables and fruit - are actually coming from Mexico, South America or California and are picked before ripe.”

By the time that produce has crossed the country, it’s logged a lot of miles.

“By the time it’s in a grocery store it has no flavor yet. Many people they don’t realize the difference in really fresh produce that’s picked that morning and on your dinner table that night. You can’t even describe the difference,” Scime said.

The idea of community-supported agriculture was developed as one way for communities to help support local farmers.

“As a CSA member it’s like you’re taking a share in the farm. It’s like buying a stock,” explained Scime. “You pay for your membership in advance in the springtime when farmers need a cash infusion. Then during the harvest season you receive the bounty of your membership.” 

She is a big fan of the farmer’s market in Market Square and said the program “is not meant to replace shopping at the farmer’s market. It should supplement it.” 

The produce offered by Great Country varies by season. Customers don’t have a choice of specific items in an order, but there are sample produce plans.

Members also get free admission to the farm’s various family-friendly festivals throughout the year. 

Mindful Hands is part of a group delivery site and it needs about six people to continue the service although currently has about 15 participants. The membership fee is a little more than $500, which breaks down to about $25 a week. Individual memberships are also available through Great Country, but the cost is about $100 more than the group effort. Scime welcomes any new members.

The farm delivers all boxes to her King Street store and farm “subscribers” pick up their mostly organic produce. Scime also offers a curbside delivery since it can be difficult to find parking in that area.