Looking forward to spring and the growing
season, I just joined a Community Supported Agriculture program, or CSA for the
first time. Most of the time, joining requires making a deposit now and full
payment before receiving any product. But in general, farmers are probably the
hardest working, most honest people I’ve ever come across. Paying at the
beginning of growing season enables them to purchase seed and start production
without having to take out a loan. Then for 20 weeks, I’ll get a share of just
harvested, seasonal produce, and the challenge of cooking and consuming all of
it. I look forward to that challenge, but most growers help out by providing
recipes along with the abundance.
Shopping at a farmers’ market is often a
social time and a great way to get to know who grows your food. Some CSA
programs deliver at the market, but also offer another delivery option. If you
find shopping on Saturday morning inconvenient, joining a CSA may be a better
way to get your nutrition through ultra-fresh, locally grown food.
Creeksong Farm
Lasts
for 20 weeks, beginning in early June. Tuesday pickups will begin June 3rd,
2014 and end October 14th at the Agricultural Conference Center
loading dock or at the farm in Creston. Another option for pick up is at the
Watauga farmers’ market on Saturdays.
Pay
a 50% deposit as soon as possible to reserve a space, with the total cost due
by May 1st.
Full shares cost $500.00 and
receive $25.00 worth of food each week.
Half shares cost $300.00 and
receive $15.00 worth of food each week.
Vegetarian shares are available.
On weeks when beef and/or eggs are included, vegetarian shares will get more
produce to make up the difference in cost. Participants are allowed a one
week vacation credit for produce at the farmers’ market.
High Country CSA
This
multi-farm CSA deliverers on Wednesdays in Boone from June 4th
through October 15th . Total payment is due by June 1st.
There are several options:
Garden Share, $300- contains
4-6 vegetables for small single households.
Full Harvest Share, $600-
contains 7-10 seasonal produce items, including herbs. Appropriate for large
households, or small households that rely on produce for a significant portion
of their diet.
Variety Share, $600-
includes a garden share plus special items like free-range eggs, breads,
chevre, molasses, jams, and more.
Elliott,
highcountrycsa@gmail.com, http://highcountrycsa.wix.com/barntall
Lively Up Farm
Delivery
will be at the Watauga County farmers’ market, with another option being
considered, starting mid to late May and lasting for 20 weeks. Every share will
contain at least 4 to 5 varieties of vegetables. Full shares cost $500 and
receive $25 of vegetables weekly. A $300 share is also available, with $15 of
vegetables weekly.
North Fork Farm
Participants
receive a monthly delivery of different cuts of beef, pork and chicken at the
Agricultural Conference Center in Boone beginning April 14th through
August 11th. Half share members receive approximately a 10 lb. box monthly at a cost
of $350 for the contract period, working well for single persons, couples or small
family. Full
share members receive approximately a 20 lb. box monthly at a cost of $600,
working well for families of 3 or more.
Octopus garden
Participants receive produce every other week
beginning May 20th through October 21st delivered on
Tuesday nights near downtown Boone. The price for membership is $250, and includes at
least $25 worth of produce in the box each delivery. Options for installments
are available for those who are interested but can’t pay $250 all at once.
Carolina Hampton, hamptoncaroline@gmail.com
Springhouse farm
This
year they are using "Eating on the Wild Side" by Jo Robinson to
select the most
nutritious varieties of vegetables that can be grown.
nutritious varieties of vegetables that can be grown.
Half
Share: Approximately $15 worth of vegetables each week, $300.
Full Share: Approximately $25 worth of vegetables each week, $500.
Saturday shares begin May 25th at the Watauga County farmers’ market and Tuesday shares begin May 28th to be picked up at the farm in Vilas between 2 and 6.
Full Share: Approximately $25 worth of vegetables each week, $500.
Saturday shares begin May 25th at the Watauga County farmers’ market and Tuesday shares begin May 28th to be picked up at the farm in Vilas between 2 and 6.
Wild Pilgrim
Homestead
The
CSA box includes a variety of what they grow on their farm as well as other
locally and regionally sourced fruits and veggies. No up front payment is
required, and you can place orders weekly as you need them. The CSA is year
round, delivering Thursdays at noon at Bare Essentials. $25 per week. Bonnie or
Jason Lewis, (828) 455-7808, wildpilgrimfarmstead@gmail.com
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