Frequently Asked Questions

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What is a CSA and how does it work?

CSA stands for community supported agriculture. Members buy a “share” of the harvest directly from the farmers before the season begins. Because members pay in advance the CSA allows farmers to raise interest-free operating capital. In return, members receive a steady supply of fresh food from the farm throughout the summer and fall. When you join a CSA, you know exactly where your food is coming from. You will meet the farmers, and you may even visit the farm.

The money for your share goes directly to the farmers. Volunteer members run the CSA, and there are no markups for advertising, storing, or distribution. Because there are no guarantees that particular crops will succeed, you share the financial risks along with the farmers. You also share in the bounty of the farm, and members usually receive high quality vegetables and herbs at below-market prices.

When you buy locally grown produce, there is no need to transport it long distances. Buying local uses less fossil fuel and ensures that your food is really fresh. As a member of a CSA, you will be supporting small-scale, ecological, local farming, and helping maintain our regional farmlands and rural areas. You will eat delicious, healthy, non-toxic food.

Who is “in charge” of the CSA? 

The CSA is entirely run by volunteer members who are referred to as the Core Group. Your money goes directly to the farm. We use a very small portion of the money to pay for the supplies needed to run the CSA. 

Why do I have to pay for my share in advance?

One of the best things about a CSA is that farmers get the money at the beginning of the season, when they really need it to put their crops in the ground. Also, knowing ahead how many members to expect helps them to better plan their planting and harvesting and eliminates waste – they only pack what we need. As a result, in comparison to shopping at farmers markets, over the course of the season CSA members usually receive a greater quantity of produce for the price. 

Why can’t I just pay for what I want, like at the farmers market? 

In addition to the reason outlined above, we do not have a permit to sell food in the park.

How is the food distributed? 

The CSA is self-serve. Members pick up their own vegetables on Thursday afternoons in Isham park. Every week, rain or shine, the farmers drop off vegetables, and tell us how to break it down for each share. A site manager and several volunteers help set up, post signs telling members what to take, and then oversee the distribution. Members sign in upon arrival and gather their own shares. Volunteers will assist anyone who needs assistance. We ask people to bring bags whenever they can. Some weeks the farmer will be there to meet members and answer questions. 

How much food will I get each week? 

The amounts and varieties change quite a bit during the season. One share is meant to feed two to three adults. Of course, this all depends on how you eat. A full share will receive approximately 10 different vegetables each week while a partial share will receive approximately 6 different vegetable each week. Early on there will be more leafy greens and early or “baby” vegetables. In general, as the season progresses, heavier and larger vegetables will be harvested (potatoes, roots, and winter squash). By the end of the season the shares are quite large, and there is a fair amount of food which can be stored. Cooking greens and salad greens are provided almost every week. The CSA is great for people who are interested in trying different foods and eating lots of fresh vegetables, but it is probably not a good option for people who have a lot of dietary restrictions or who dislike a large number of vegetables.

What kinds of vegetables will I recieve? 

Here is a sample:

June-July: lettuce, arugula, turnips, bok choy, garlic scallions, rainbow chard, garlic scapes, sweet peas, kohlrabi, beets, scallions, parsley, mini onions, daikon radish, napa cabbage, basil, kale, cucumber, broccoli, zucchini/summer squash, dandelion greens, corn, peppers, tomatoes

August-September: lettuce, rainbow chard, red/gold beets, fennel, peppers, mini- onions, cucumber, zucchini/summer squash, corn, parsley, basil, onions, tomatoes, potatoes, dandelion greens, beans, carrots, eggplant, bok choy, delicata squash, garlic, Asian greens, scallions, collard greens, turnips, braising mix

October-November: lettuce, braising mix, collard greens, onions, turnips, delicata squash, carrots, broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, arugula, leeks, potatoes, garlic, kale, celeriac, parsley, pumpkin, butternut squash, peppers, beets, hot peppers, acorn squash

What if I am single or my household just doesn’t eat a lot of vegetables?

Some single people enjoy a full share, while others find they can’t finish all the vegetables. If you talk with your neighbors, you may find someone who can conveniently “split” a share with you. Starting in 2021, the farm now offers partial shares which contain 6 rather than 10 vegetables each week and may be a better option for you.

What if I can’t come to pick up my food one week?

Unfortunately we can’t save shares. Because of the administrative work it would require, we cannot pro-rate share prices to accommodate planned vacations or missed weeks. You can arrange with someone else to pick up your share (another member or a friend or relative); some members who know they will miss several weeks arrange to “sublet” their share during their absence. If you can’t find anyone to pick up for you, the food won’t go to waste. All leftover produce is donated to a food pantry. 

What does volunteering look like?

This year, the volunteer commitment will be four hours. Members may distribute the hours among different dates. We most especially need help on the first shift (3:30-4:30), because we need to unload the farm truck quickly. You will help to set up the produce when it is dropped off, help members sign in and collect their shares, and help keep the site neat and organized. You should also be ready to talk to passers by who want to know what is going on. If you are volunteering at the end of the distribution time you will also help to pack up all the empty boxes and supplies and pick up any refuse from the CSA. Volunteer shifts are rain or shine.