Q. How
do I know if joining a CSA is right for me?
A. It is a fact that the CSA model is not for everybody, but you probably ARE
a good candidate if in addition to desiring natural, locally grown, farm fresh food, you possess one or more of the
following characteristics:
- you
and your family have the time to cook and like cooking and preparing meals or dishes from scratch
- you and your family like to cook and are willing to experiment with new ingredients and recipes
- you are okay with occasionally getting something in your box of which you aren't particularly fond
of
- your schedule permits you to regularly make the pick-up time
You are probably NOT a good
CSA candidate if:
- there
are more than one or two vegetables that you and your family do not like
- you and your family
like fresh food but do not have the time to prepare it
- you and your family do not like
"surprises", i.e, to experiment with foods you have not ever eaten
- you know
in advance that your schedule is such that you cannot regularly make the pick-up time
Whether the CSA model is or is not right for you, we encourage you to
come meet us and buy "off the truck".
Q. How often
do I get my CSA share?
A. You will receive your share weekly during the season.
Q. What will be in my CSA share?
A. The contents of your CSA share will vary by season,
by the time of year and by what Mother Nature is doing at the time. We plan our crops primarily on what you
tell us you like. This is part of what owning a subscription share means. Your input is balanced with what will grow
well in our area.
The volume of food you receive will vary weekly in accordance with the season, but you can expect to receive
4 to 6 different types of vegetables each week. The volume will be higher in the prime part of the season when the plants
are better established than, for instance, in the beginning of the season when the plants are just beginning to produce.
Q. How much does it cost?
A. For the most up to date price
and term information, please see the CSA's membership page or email us.
Q. How many people does a CSA share feed?
A. That
really depends on your eating and cooking habits. Some things to think about: How often do you cook at home? Are you really
into veggies, or are you a "beginner"? Are you feeding small children or growing teenagers? Generally, a share is
the right amount for two vegetable loving adults that really enjoy cooking with fresh produce, or an "average" family
of two adults with two small children.
Q. My family
is larger than average, can I purchase more than one share?
A. Absolutely! When you fill out your subscription form
you can specify how many shares you would like to purchase.
Q.
I'm single or have a small family, can I purchase a half share?
A. No. We only sell full shares. If you would like to
split a share with a friend, you may arrange to do so. (See below)
Q.
Can I split a share?
A. Yes. If you split a share, one shareholder must pick up the entire share at pick-up time.
You can plan to meet your share partner at the farm (or carpool if you'd like) to pick up your own vegetables; or you
can alternate weeks with your partner if that is more convenient for you.
Q.
Can I specify what items I do or do not want in my share box?
A. As much as we'd like to, we cannot tailor boxes
to suit every member's needs. The boxes simply contain what is in season. Though we do have a trade box where members
place items they won't use, or take out items other members left.
Q.
What if I don't show up to pick up my share?
A. Since our crops are highly perishable, we cannot hold your
share after the pick-up time. If you miss picking up your share during the scheduled time, we cannot credit your account or
replace your missed share. We will donate any shares not picked up to a family in need so the share does not go to waste.
Q. What if I'm away on vacation and miss a box?
A. If you're going away we recommend that
you share your box with family or friends. Simply have that person pick up your box for you (notice in advance is appreciated),
though make sure they know where to go and how to pick it up. If you don't have friends or family who are interested in
the produce, let us know and we will donate the share you'll miss to a family in need.