CSAs exist as a way for farms and growers to connect with their local
market; individuals and families may purchase a share in the farm
upfront, to provide capital when seed money is low. In return, the
grower provides a variety of products to members throughout the growing
season. Growers are not only supported financially through the CSA
method but also create a way for locals to take part in and encourage
the production of food grown close to home.
Oftentimes CSA members contribute more than just start-up funding; many
growers welcome and encourage work days wherein CSA members take part in
the actual maintenance of the crop, from weeding to harvesting.
VALLEY FARMS
Several Valley farms offer various types of CSA programs. The Gaylord
Farm on Route 100 in Waitsfield offers both a vegetable and meat CSA
throughout the summer season. Members can sign up for a single or double
share; a double share is designed to provide enough food for a family
of four for one week. The meat share includes beef, pork and chicken
without hormones, antibiotics or steroids. This year, Gaylord Farm has
introduced a debit card program that can be redeemed at the farm stand
or farmers' market. Shares are still available; pick-up takes place each
Wednesday between 4 and 6 p.m. beginning June 17. For more information,
call 496-5054 or visit www.gaylordfarm.com.
Hartshorn's Santa Davida Farm, located on Route 100 north of Waitsfield
Village, provides fresh produce and berries and also uses a debit card
system called the "Green Card." The cost of the CSA membership is put
onto the debit card in the beginning of the season so members can
purchase fresh produce from both the Santa Davida farm stand as well as
their farmers' market booth. For more information about Santa Davida and
joining their CSA, call 496-3081. Information is also available on
Santa Davida's new fan page on Facebook.
One of the newer CSAs in The Valley is saucy. Created by Jordan
Mitchnick, saucy offers organic soup and sauce grown and created in
Moretown. Members can sign up for season, month-to-month or annual saucy
shares that can be picked up in two Valley locations or delivered.
Individuals can sign up for one- or two-quart-per-week CSA shares;
pick-up takes place on Thursdays at the East Warren Community Market or
the Village Grocery. Saucy will also be at both the Waitsfield and
Waterbury Farmers' Markets this summer. For more information about saucy
or sign up for a summer soup and sauce share, call 496-6009 or visit
saucy's fan page on Facebook.
In addition to fresh food, The Valley is also home to Mountain Flower
Farm, located in Warren, that offers a weekly flower bouquet CSA
program. Members may pay upfront and receive a fresh bouquet of flowers
each week throughout the growing season (20 weeks). Pick-up happens each
week at the Waitsfield Farmers' Market; members can sign up anytime
before May 15. For more information or to join the weekly bouquet
program, call 496-8980 or visit www.mountainflowerfarm.com.
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