FARM-TO-INSTITUTION
Becoming a Farm-to-Institution Pickup Site
What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. CSA is a system by which consumers become shareholders of a local farm to share its risks and rewards. Participants agree to pay farmers a lump sum at the beginning of the season and in exchange receive weekly or bi-weekly boxes of beautiful local produce at a pick up location of their choice. In addition to our four collaborating vegetable farms, we offer season-long additions of pastured meat, eggs, dairy, and more, as well as add-ons from more than 35 additional neighboring farms and food businesses, allowing participants to customize their shares weekly. Each share purchased is an investment in our farm season and our farming community.
Why set up a pick up site at a school, college, or hospital?
Establishing a pick up site at your institution allows busy staff, faculty, and students/parents to access fresh, local food without having to make an extra stop at the grocery store or farmers market. Pick up times can be aligned with school schedules or shift turnovers so participants can grab their local food bag at a time that is convenient to them. Being a CSA pickup site is a great addition to healthy food initiatives that your institution engages in.
What is required to participate?
If you decide to be a pick-up site, we ask that you help get the word out to your network and guide them towards the 607 website to sign up for shares. We will share some promotional materials with you to help promote the opportunity.
You will be responsible for assigning someone to accept the shares each week on Tuesdays, and someone to distribute them at an agreed upon time (typically a 2 hour window later that day or the following day). The point person could be in dining/cafeteria services, student affairs, a wellness committee, a student-run club or association, a parent/parent organization, or anyone else interested in facilitating!
For schools and colleges, this is a great opportunity to engage students in local food activities. We are happy to provide bulk items instead of pre-bagged shares so students can organize the shares themselves and get to know their local farms and produce
For hospitals, we are happy to work with you on incorporating the CSA share into your Community Benefits programs!
Who can pick up a share at my location?
This is up to you! We can limit sign-ups to teachers, faculty, and students, or we can open it up to other community members to choose your site.
How much do shares cost?
Sliding scale pricing: approximately $26 to $36 per week.
Summer:
Weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $369 to $499
Bi-weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $184.50 to $249.50
Fall:
Weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $316 to $428
Bi-weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $158 to $214
Summer and Fall:
Weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $685 to $927
Bi-weekly shares available on a sliding scale of $342.50 to $463.50
Get the word out! Download flyers and postcards here to print and post.
For more info please contact cheryl@the607csa.com.
