My local farm is part of a program called CSA (Community Supported Agriculture).  What this program does is provide a way to keep small neighborhood family farms in business by supplementing income during the slow and costly winter months. This money allows farms buy supplies and pay employees until the spring and summer months.  In doing so, the farm collects about set amount of money (my farm charges $250) from members called "share holders", in the fall/winter months and in return the members are able to receive produce during the summer months practically free.  It's a great way to receive fresh produce in the summer months and to help your local farmer.