Since its inception in 2002, the Sandy Spring Community Supported Agriculture has offered high quality, organic produce to residents in the D.C. metro area.

The community organization now has seven pick up sites scattered throughout Northern Virginia for spring and summer 2012. Pick up sites are located in Alexandria, Falls Church, McLean, Reston and Great Falls or Potomac Falls.

While most CSAs are started by farmers, Sandy Spring was started by its members, who were attracted by the concept, organized themselves and found their first farmer partner.

After starting with 25 members, 2011 had seen the membership grow to more than 800.

All produce comes from Lancaster Farm Fresh, which is a growing cooperative of small, certified organic family farms in Lancaster, Pa.

Members can participate by purchasing an organic vegetable share for $768 or $30.72 a week. An optional fruit share is also available for 22 weeks and costs $212.52.

Flower and herb shares are also available for purchase.

Only full shares may be purchased, but the CSA will help make matches to split shares if necessary.

The season begins the week of May 7 and runs through the week of Oct. 22, spanning 25 weeks.