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What is Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is an alternative, locally-based model of food distribution in which small-scale farmers and local customers join forces to create a better food system. You purchase a “share” in our farm, and receive a weekly share of the season’s bounty. Your payment in advance provides funds to purchase seeds and growing supplies in the spring, when most of farmers’ costs occur, as well as the freedom to spend the harvest season growing food instead of finding customers. In exchange for this commitment, at a reasonable price, you get to enjoy produce that is of exceptional taste and freshness, and you will also enjoy knowing just how your produce dollars are supporting a local farm. It’s a farmer-friendly, community-oriented model centered on the sharing of both the risks of the season, and the bounty.
What’s in a share?
- Over 150 varieties of vegetables, herbs, and flowers
- We offer our shares in two sizes. The big share is designed for a 3-4 person family or 1-2 hungry vegetarians. The small share is designed for 1 person, or 2 people who don’t eat as many vegetables.
- While we do have some choice built into the weekly shares, we encourage shareholders to make use of our “swap table.” You are welcome to trade ANY vegetable for another similarly sized item on the swap table.
- CSA members have access to the pick-your-own field Monday-Saturday during daylight hours. We grow flowers, peas, beans, cherry tomatoes, tomatillos, husk cherries, hot peppers, and a variety of herbs.
- Our weekly newsletter is filled with farm news as well as recipes and helpful cooking tips to expand your knowledge about the less familiar vegetables in the share.
What are the perks of joining?
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- Receive six months of freshly-harvested vegetables grown using organic methods;
- Save money over comparable farmers’ market or supermarket produce;
- Learn how to cook with a wide variety of fresh vegetables;
- Build a relationship with our farm, the community, and the source of your food;
- Enjoy our 65 scenic acres, including a children’s Discovery Garden and a nature trail that meanders through wetlands, woodlands, and pasture;
- Meet our flock of laying hens;
- Help support our mission to engage and educate the community.
Is the produce organic?
We are not certified organic, but we follow organic growing methods. Please see our Farming Practices page for more information. Our farmer is happy to answer any questions about our growing, harvesting, and livestock management practices. Direct inquiries to farm@philliesbridge.org
What’s the quantity?
The amount of produce in your CSA share will vary over the course of the season. Our aim is to provide at least $39 (for big shares) or $23.50 (for small shares) worth of produce per week were you to shop for similar organically-grown produce at farm stands or health food stores. If you comparison shop week to week, you’ll find that the actual market value of the produce in your share is much higher than that, particularly if you make full use of u-pick opportunities.
What if I can’t pick up my share?
We encourage you to send a friend to pick up your share if you will be away a certain week. Otherwise you may choose to reschedule your pickup at least 48 hours in advance. Please see our Members page for more information.
What if I want a smaller share?
You are welcome to arrange splitting a share with a friend. We do not coordinate the splitting of shares.
Is there a work requirement?
No. Shareholders are not required to work. If you would like to volunteer, we are a non-profit organization and we offer volunteer opportunities to match the skills and availability of every member. Please contact info@philliesbridge.org and let us know how you’d like to help!
Do you offer financial support to those who cannot afford it?
Yes. We offer our CSA shares on a sliding scale. Learn more about sliding scale shares HERE.