What is a CSA?
CSA Stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is an organization that allows city residents to have direct access to high quality, fresh produce grown locally by regional farmers.
When you become a member of a CSA, you purchase a “share” of vegetables from a regional farmer. Weekly or bi-weekly, from June until October or November, our farmer delivers that share of produce to our neighborhood. Shares usually include 7-10 types of vegetables, enough for a family of 2-3 people.
CSA members pay for an entire season of produce upfront – typically $400-$600. This early bulk payment enables your farmer to plan for the season, purchase new seed, make equipment repairs, and more.
The Greenpoint-Williamsburg CSA (GWCSA) also offers the option of other produce from local farms and producers
The terms and conditions for joining the GWCSA are here: Membership Agreement.
Why join a CSA?
Of course there are many reasons to sign up for a CSA that range from personal (the best tasting produce for my family!) to global (no chemical pesticides means cleaner land, water, and air for EVERYONE). It’s all good!
Here is just a short list of reasons:
Buy Local
Your support helps small local farms stay afloat.
Connect with the food you eat by meeting your farmers and exploring the farms.
Eat Well
Buy the freshest food for your family.
Explore new foods and learn to cook with them.
Find out that beet greens aren’t just good for you, they’re tasty too!
Be Healthy
Eat more fresh vegetables and fruit.
Share healthy eating habits with your kids. Expose them early to a variety of regional produce.
Protect the Environment
Support farmers who take care of their land by growing food in ways that take care of the soil.
Cut down on the number of miles your food travels from the farm to your plate.
Who runs the GWCSA?
The GWCSA is a volunteer-run organization. Our core group of volunteers takes on much of the administrative management of the CSA. This includes signing up new members, collecting members payments, running the distribution site, accounting, organizing work shifts, managing the website and communication tools, helping aid our low income members, and planning community-building or educational events. This frees up the farmers to focus on growing and delivering the vegetables.
How can I become a core member of the GWCSA?
Start attending the core meetings and ask how you can help out! Email info@gwcsa.org for meeting dates and links.
What if I can't afford to pay up front for the entire season?
The GWCSA offers payment plans to allow members flexibility in paying for their shares. In addition, some subsidized shares are available for those that would like to be part of the CSA but cannot afford to without assistance. Please email us at info@gwcsa.org to learn more about these options.
Is everything organic?
All the vegetables and some of the fruit you receive from the farm is organic. This is the majority of items in your share. Our partners have undergone a very rigorous certification process conducted by the Northeast Organic Farming Association and the USDA.
The eggs are from the farm’s own pastured-raised, free-range hens.
However, some fruit, and other add-ons, come from other local producers. These farms have been selected because they adhere to the best farming, growing, and production practices currently possible in our area; this does not always mean certified organic. Information on these farms and products will be available as we add new items to our site and of course if you have a question about a particular farm or producer please send us an email.
What if I can't pick up my share?
Send a friend! You don't need to be there in person - anyone can pick up your share if they give your name at distribution.
Unfortunately we can't save your share, and we can't provide a make up share on a different date. If you can't find anyone to pick up for you, at least you can feel good knowing that all leftover produce is donated to a local community fridge or soup kitchen.