FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
LOCAL,
ORGANIC, FRESH...
vegetables and fruit delivered to you
How much does it cost?
Please refer to the 2010 Program page and select the individual shares on the left side.
Is a CSA the right choice for me?
Participating in a CSA is a good choice for people who make time to cook and have interest in trying new foods. The CSA format is good for adventurous eaters willing to experiment with new recipes. This may not be a good choice if you don’t like to cook, don’t have time to cook, or if you are picky eaters. Remember, the produce in your weekly box is dictated by nature. As a result, you may not receive a steady supply of the perfect amount of your favorite veggies.
How much is included in each box?
The large share is a 3/4 bushel box which we say is suitable for a family of four.The small share is a 1/2 bushel box which we say is suitable for a couple. These are just general guidelines as they will differ according to your eating habits. At the beginning of the season, the boxes contain 6-7 varieties of crops and increase up to 12-13 varieties of crops as the season progresses. As the summer progresses, there is more and more variety. The weight of each box varies greatly. For example, at the beginning of the season there are mostly leafy greens which are light. But towards the end of the season, we may have mini-watermelons and winter squash in a box which make it much heavier. So the number of pounds per box differs throughout the season.
Am I able to choose the types of veggies that I receive each week?
The crops you receive each week are dictated by nature rather than personal preferences. The crops that are in each box are have been chosen based on their high quality and the fact that they are ready to be harvested that week on the farms. Most of our clients tell us at the end of the season that it helps them to incorporate new veggies into their diet and they end up discovering they love certain veggies they never thought they would!
What crops will be in the boxes?
For a list of the 2010 crops, click here. There may be other crops included in your boxes which are not listed. As mother nature has the ultimate say, we cannot guarantee that every crop will be in the box.
Why do I have to pay upfront for the entire season?
The majority of the money that you pay upfront goes directly to the farms before the season starts. As many of the expenses that a farm incurs happen before the growing season (buying seeds, supplies, etc.), this helps the farms at a time when they most need the financial capital.
Why is this environmentally friendly?
By joining Food 4 Thought, you are significantly reducing the number of miles and the amount of emissions that are produced from transporting produce over long distances, whether it is from California, Mexico or South America. You are also supporting farms that use sustainable farming practices without the use of chemicals. This makes your produce healthier and promotes clean air, water and land. Additionally, we offer heirloom fruits and vegetables which promote biodiversity and a rich and dynamic food supply.
Is it practical for a couple or a person living alone to participate?
Yes, we offer a Small Summer Share and an Every Other Week Large Share which are both good options for a couple or person living alone who is a hearty vegetable eater. If you feel that it might be too much for you, we encourage you to find someone to share with.
How do I go about sharing my box if I think it will be too much food?
Sharing your box is easiest if you switch off weeks rather than dividing the produce in half each week. These shares have been designed for single families. Dividing a bag of green beans, for example, may not result in a normal portion for cooking and serving. Likewise, there may be one watermelon and it is a lot of trouble to cut it in half. We have found our members are happiest when trading off weeks.
What happens if I am out of town?
Just let us know a week or more in advance and we will either deliver to another location in our service area, donate your box or simply resume once you return.
Can I special order larger quantities of certain fruits or vegetables?
In most cases, yes. Contact us at least one week in advance and let us know what you’d like. We’ll do our best to try to fulfill your request. However, it will depend on several factors such as time of year, quantity requested, availability, etc.
Will there be opportunities to visit the farms?
Yes. You are always welcome to visit the farms. In addition, we will be hosting two farm days at Natura Farms for our members. It is a great opportunity to enjoy a picnic potluck lunch, meet the farmers, harvest produce and just enjoy a day at the farm!
Is the produce organic?
Natura Farms- certified by the Midwest Food Alliance
Harmony Valley Farm- certified by the Midwest Organic Services Association.
Ridgeroll Farms- practice organic & sustainable farming methods, but not certified
© 2010 Food 4 Thought, LLC
