#1 – What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, and is essentially a partnership between farmers and a local community. The farmers supply the community with season-long fresh, local produce grown using organic methods, and the community in turn supports the farmer by pre-paying for the entire season. Farmers gain some economical security for environmentally-friendly farming. CSA members get a reliable, wholesome food source in many ways incomparably superior to that available in the grocery stores.
The CSA member agrees to share both the bounty and the risks with the farmer. Through this arrangement, you know where your food comes from, and how it was grown. In a sense CSA means “food with a farmer’s face on it”. In a grocery store, you don’t really know much about how or where the produce was grown, treated or handled, but in a CSA you do know, and can even ask questions directly of the ones involved in each step of the process. You are even welcome to visit the farm!
#2 – Where does it come from and how is it farmed?
Jacob Fisher & family of Scenic Hills Farm grow the produce on their farm near Rockville, IN. They are from an Amish community and raise all their crops organically. This is not “certified” organic in an attempt to keep the cost down, but we’ve been to the farm and can testify that it is truly organic!
#3 – When does it start and how long does it last?
mid May to beginning of November, for 25 consecutive weeks.
#4 – How much does a share cost?
$425 by April 1 and $440 after April 1 for 2012. A late fee of $15 is included after April 1, so be sure to join early! For installment price options, click here for the information on the Subscription Form. Installment prices include a $10 fee, and all checks need to be included with the subscription form.
#5 – Will I know what I’ll be getting each week?
A weekly email newsletter will be sent out to all CSA shareholders letting you know what we expect to be in your box for the week. We also post the list on our Facebook page. Boxes are based on produce available at that point in the season. We have actual pictures of weekly produce on our Facebook page. You do not have to have a Facebook account to see them. Click here for 2010 and click here for 2011 pictures.
#6 – What else will be in the weekly email newsletter?
You can expect the vast majority of communication to occur via our Healthy Hoosiers Email Newsletter on the evening before or morning of delivery with the reminder email to pick up your produce. Newsletter contents will include: list of items expected in your box this week, farm news, and links to recipes, tips, and ideas here on the site. For those without email, please find a friend who will help you keep abreast of the latest news. Phone reminders are not a service we can offer at this time.
#7 – What do you get and when?
Click here for the list of predicted 2011 Crops. (2012 coming soon, but should be similar) This is what is planned and hoped for, but we must realize that the crops are subject to the weather and other natural factors. Therefore, availability and harvest time can vary a lot.
#8 – How much do you get each week?
This depends on availability. When a certain vegetable crop is scarce, you may think that you got too little; when it is plentiful, you may wonder what to do with it all! We usually find that most of the season there is a ‘happy middle’ zone. The farmer plans to provide in each box enough vegetables to accommodate 2 adults whose diet is primarily vegetable-based or 4 adults whose diet is mixed.
#9 – When and where do I pick it up?
Produce boxes will be delivered on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the mid-morning to lunch hours. The produce will be delivered to residential homes in Terre Haute (exact address/directions will be given in May):
- North (Collett Park Area) – Tuesdays
- Central (near Sarah Scott Middle School) – Tuesdays
- Eastside (Woodridge Subdivision) – Thursdays (2 locations)
- Southside (near Honey Creek Middle School) – Tuesdays
You will have the flexibility to pick up anytime from the time of delivery until 7 pm. However, we HIGHLY recommend you pick up your produce in the first hour of delivery. We cannot be responsible for your produce. It may wilt & get old if you leave it sitting all afternoon. The produce will be FRESHLY harvested that morning or in some instances the evening prior.
#10 – When do I need to decide?
Our group is limited to 90 shares, and we expect to sell out fast. So, don’t wait too long! Also, if you join after April 1, there is a “late” fee, so joining early is advised!
#11 – What if I cannot pick up my produce during these pick hours?
You should arrange for a family member or friend to pick up your produce box. Items cannot be held or saved beyond the 7 pm deadline for pickup. If you do not pick up your items, they are given to a family who can use them.
#12 – What if I wish to cancel my subscription during the season?
A pro-rated partial refund (less $25 for processing) may be available if we have a person on the waiting list who then buys your subscription or you find someone to buy it.
#13 – How can I get more information?
Please contact Charity Mouck (877-3605) or email: HealthyHoosiersCSA@gmail.com
