Looking forward to spring and the growing
season, I am about to send my payment to join a Community Supported Agriculture
program, or CSA. Most of the time, joining requires making a deposit now and
full payment before receiving any product. But in general, farmers are some of
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 2rd, 2015
and end October 13th 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 will deliverer weekly at a central location in Boone from June 3rd
through October 14th. Total payment is due by June 1st. A
regular sized share is $500 and great for families of three or more. A small
sized share is $350 and great for a single adult or a couple. If you are
eligible for EBT, WIC, or free and reduced lunch, you may qualify for the cost
share program. By joining the cost share program, a regular share is $200 and
may even be paid for with EBT benefits every week ($10 per week). A small sized
share is $100 and costs $5 per week with EBT. For
more information, contact Elliott, highcountrycsa@gmail.com, http://highcountrycsa.org
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 from
4:30 – 5 pm at the Agricultural Conference Center in Boone beginning April 13th
through August 10th. Half share members receive a 7 to 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 17 to 20 lb. box monthly at a cost of $600, working well
for families of 3 or more.
Springhouse farm
Certified
organic farm offering a half share, approximately $15 worth of vegetables each
week for $300. A full share provides approximately $25 worth of vegetables each
week for $500.
You may choose to pick up at the Watauga County farmers’ market or on Tuesdays at the farm in Vilas between 12 and 6. Email: amy@springhousefarm.net, http://www.springhousefarm.net/
You may choose to pick up at the Watauga County farmers’ market or on Tuesdays at the farm in Vilas between 12 and 6. Email: amy@springhousefarm.net, http://www.springhousefarm.net/
Wild Pilgrim
Homestead
The
CSA box includes a great variety. No up front payment is required, and you can
place orders weekly as you need them. The CSA is year round, delivering
Thursdays at Boone Visitors Center from 4:30 until 5:25. $25 per week. Maintain
a Facebook page. Bonnie or Jason Lewis, (828) 455-7808, wildpilgrimfarmstead@gmail.com
Disclaimer: there may be CSAs that I have not heard about. I don't intentionally leave anyone off!
