CSA
Community Supported Agriculture
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) has become a popular way for consumers to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer. Here are the basics: a farmer offers a certain number of “shares” to the public. Typically the share consists of a box of vegetables, but other farm products may be included. Interested consumers purchase a share (aka a “membership” or a “subscription”) and in return receive a box of seasonal produce each week throughout the farming season. This arrangement creates several rewards for both the farmer and the consumer.
Advantages for Farmers
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 12 hour days in the field begin.
- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow.
- Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow.
Advantages for Consumers
- Eat ultra-fresh food, with all the flavor and vitamin benefits.
- Get exposed to new vegetables and new ways of cooking.
- Get to visit the farm at least once a season.
- Find that kids typically favor food from “their” farm – even veggies they’ve never been known to eat.
- Develop a relationship with the farmer who grows their food and learn more about how food is grown.
CSA Season
Cost
The cost of a full share is $575.00. A half share is $325.00. Early Bird Special! Sign on before 4/15/2023 to receive a special gift!
What's in a box?
A typical CSA share box contains between 7 and 10 different organically grown vegetables. A full share is typically suitable for a family of four, and a half-share is good for a family of two.
If it is a bad year or there is a weather related disaster, there will be less produce in the boxes. This is an important point to remember when purchasing any CSA share – there are risks associated with farming. As a CSA member, you share those risks. Fortunately for eQuality Farms, we’ve been able to deliver produce as planned each year.
CSA Newsletter
“Every week during the growing season I look forward to my fresh box of vegetables from eQuality. It’s really fun (and sustainable) to create a weekly menu based on the vegetables that are in season. I love finding new recipes and sharing these fresh and healthy options with my family and friends. I am also proud to say that participating in a CSA is both nutritionally and financially beneficial. I recently did some pricing at a local grocery store and I found that the CSA box (averaging $16.50 per week for a half share and an 18 week season) is a MUCH more affordable option than purchasing a similar selection of vegetables at the store. The contents of a typical mid-season box would cost around $25.50 for regular produce, and $55.80 for organic produce! With all the health benefits of eating fresh vegetables, the cost-savings of investing in a CSA, the convenience of delivery, and the environmentally friendly benefits of buying local and organic – why wouldn’t you participate?”
Advantages for farmers
- Get to spend time marketing the food early in the year, before their 12 hour days in the field begin.
- Receive payment early in the season, which helps with the farm’s cash flow.
- Have an opportunity to get to know the people who eat the food they grow.