CSA Information

WHAT IS THE CSA?

The CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a weekly distribution of organic fruits, vegetables, and herbs to individuals and families in New London. All of the food is grown by FRESH New London staff and youth crew and Connecticut College’s Sprout Club; it’s a phenomenal way for the young people on our crew to learn the entire process of crop farming, from seed starting to harvest and distribution, as well as connect with our community and earn a fair wage.

We grow a big variety of vegetables and herbs (and a few fruits), including collards, squash, tomatoes, and more, and we are always looking for feedback about what foods people are interested in receiving. Cultivating culturally relevant crops is very important to us – what would you like to see us produce?

You can register for the CSA here. If we get more people registered than we can accommodate, we will hold a lottery.

WHAT IS THE DURATION OF THE CSA?

We expect to run the CSA for 20 weeks, depending on the weather and growing conditions. It begins mid-June and lasts until mid-October.

WHAT CAN I EXPECT TO GET IN MY SHARE?

In June and July, you can expect lettuces, peas, carrots, kale, collards, and other greens. By August and September, we expect to be harvesting tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, okra, basil, tomatillos, summer squash, and zucchini. By October, we expect winter squash, sweet potatoes, cauliflower, broccoli, and cilantro. Of course, this list is just a sampling. There will also be fruit, flowers, and more (and all is subject to the vagaries of the weather). 

HOW MUCH FOOD WILL I GET?

We are offering full shares (distribution every week – 20 pickups) and half shares (distribution every other week – 10 pickups). The weight of weekly food will vary due to seasonal and crop differences – lettuce and cucumbers have VERY different weights!

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?

Full shares are $650 and half shares are $450. In addition, we will continue to have our weekly “Pay What You Can” produce stand every Saturday morning

WHAT IF I CAN’T MAKE A DISTRIBUTION DAY?

Distribution will be at the Mercer St Garden on Thursdays afternoons, 4:00-5:30. If you need to miss a CSA distribution day, please be in touch with us ahead of time to designate a friend or relative to pick up on your behalf at the appointed time. Generally, we are not able to store your share for another day or pick up time. 

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I KNOW?

Our food is the highest quality that we can offer, however, CSA members are pre-buying a share of the farm’s yearly output. This means that they are also sharing the inherent risk of growing food. Weather, pests, and unforeseen events can impact crop yield. We will do everything in our power to ensure fresh, healthy, and delicious food every week. 

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