Rainbow Heritage Garden: CSA baskets

CSA

Please download the CSA 2011 information package to learn all of the juicy details about the current growing season. Fill out, and send us the included subscription form when you are ready to sign-up!

What is CSA?

CSA is rapidly becoming a household name and stands for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). CSA reflects an innovative and resourceful strategy to connect local farmers with local consumers; develop a strong regional food supply and economy; encourage land stewardship; and honor the knowledge and experience of small-scale farmers. CSA roots reach back over 40 years to Japan where a group of women, concerned about the increase in food imports and the corresponding decrease in the farming population, initiated a direct growing and purchasing relationship between themselves and local farmers. This arrangement, called "teikei" in Japanese, translates to "putting the farmers' face on food." This concept traveled to Europe and was later adapted in the USA. As of January 2005, there were over 1,500 CSA farms across the USA and Canada.

CSA is a partnership of mutual commitment between a farm and a community of supporters which provides a direct link between the production and consumption of food. Supporters cover a farm's yearly operating budget by purchasing a share of the season's harvest before most of the season’s work even begins. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, and assume the costs, risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer. Members help pay for seeds, fertilizer, water, equipment maintenance, labor, etc. In return, the farm provides, to the best of its ability, a healthy supply of seasonal fresh produce throughout the growing season. Becoming a member creates a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown, and those who grow it.

What to Expect from the RHG

The dollar value of a CSA basket is approximately 15 – 25% less than what you would pay for the equivalent at our market stand In return for your financial commitment to the Rainbow Heritage Garden you will receive a basket of organically grown produce once a week for 16 weeks. The baskets contains 8-12 varieties of seasonal vegetables, herbs, fruits, and edible flowers. As crops rotate throughout the season, weekly shares vary by size and content, reflecting our local climate and weather conditions. Some weeks you will find special surprises in your basket that will be sure to please (e.g. fresh raspberries).

What types of produce to expect in your basket:

June: strawberries, peas, radishes, chard, kale, mixed salad greens, head lettuce, spinach, arugula, pac choi, bunching onions, sweet salad turnips, broccoli, oregano etc.

July & August: most of the above plus raspberries, beans, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, broccoli, raspberries, potatoes, onions, leeks, edible flowers, carrots, beets, basil, cilantro etc.

September & October: most of the above plus apples, cabbage, watermelon, pumpkins, winter squash, brussel sprouts, sweet melons, and storage onions, beets, potatoes, and carrots etc.

Deadline for subscription:
A $100 deposit is required to reserve your CSA share by March due March 1^st, 2011.