Can you believe we are heading into our fourth season of farming? I know, me either, but we are! In 2017 we will once again be offering both a summer and fall produce CSA, but with a new twist! This year we are transitioning to a modified “market style” CSA. For our CSA members, this means even more choice when it comes to each week’s share of fresh, healthy, all natural produce.
Once again we are looking for folks willing to partner with us and become a part of our farm family. (Due to our small size, the number of shares offered are limited and will sell out quickly.) To help you decide if our CSA may be right for you, here are the details to consider:
Q – What exactly is a “market style” CSA?
A – Our switch to a market style pick up is all about giving you more choice over the vegetables you receive each week. Instead of us assembling the basket and simply handing it to you when you arrive, you will be able to “shop” our farm stand and select the produce that best fits your needs. While there will be some limitations based on your share size and amounts of each vegetable harvested, you will basically be packing your own share with exactly what you want and like. Of course we realize part of the fun of a CSA is getting something new and learning how to prepare and enjoy eating it. To that end we will be available during the pick up window to suggest new items and offer recipes to help you introduce something new to your family.
Q – When is your CSA?
A – In 2017 we will once again be offering both a summer and fall CSA. Our summer CSA is 16 weeks long and runs from the middle of May through the end of August. The fall CSA is for 8 weeks, beginning mid-September and ending the first week of November.
Q – How often are the deliveries?
A – Shareholders will receive weekly shares as described above.
Q – Where and when are your pick up locations?
A – With the move to a “market style” CSA in 2017, all shares will be picked up at our White House farm location. Pick up days/times will be Tuesday and Friday from 3:00pm – 6:00pm. Upon registering, each member will select either Tuesday or Friday to be their pick up day for the duration of the CSA.
Q – What happens if I can’t pick up my basket at the scheduled time/location?
A – Due to our new market-style CSA, weekly pickups need to be made from 3pm-6pm on your scheduled day for the best experience. Should you be running late for any reason, please contact us ASAP and we will prepare a share to be picked up later that evening or the next day (we will hold your prepared share for up to 24 hours). If you are planning to be out of town and unable to pick up your share, we suggest having a friend or family member make your pick up that week. (Please be sure to notify us in advance so we can ensure a great experience for your substitute.) Notifying us and making arrangements for missed shares is your responsibility. Should you miss a pick up without previously made arrangements or notification, we cannot guarantee your share for that week. We are unable to give refunds or credits for missed pickups.
Q – How much produce is in a full share versus a half-share?
A – A full share is equal to approximately 1/2 of a bushel and a half-share is approximately 1/4 of a bushel. We do our best to be generous with our produce as this goes to the heart of what a CSA is. You are partnering with us and in turn, sharing in the risk/reward. Due to the fact that all-natural farming has many variables beyond our control, we cannot guarantee the quantity or quality of the produce you receive. That being said, please know we will do our best to anticipate these challenges so that you finish the year as happy, satisfied customers.
Q – What size share is best for me?
A – Great question! It really all depends on your eating habits. If you and your family eat at home most of the time and enjoy eating vegetables, a full share is the best way to go. On the other hand, if there is only 1 or 2 of you, or you enjoy eating out more often, we suggest a half-share as the better option.
Q – How much do the shares cost?
A – Summer 2017 CSA (16 weeks):
- Full share $600 ($37.50/week)
- Half-share $350 ($21.88/week)
- A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at time of sign up to secure your share.
- Payment for your share can be broken into 2 installments, with half (less your $50 deposit) due by March 1st and the balance due by May 15th.
A – Fall 2017 CSA (8 weeks):
- Half shares only – $190 ($23.75/week)
- Payment for your share can be broken into 2 installments, with $50 non-refundable deposit due at time of sign up and the balance of $130 due by September 1st. (Registration for our Fall CSA will begin mid-summer.)
Q – What type of produce should I expect to receive in my basket?
A – Early in the summer season you can expect to see cooler weather vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbages, lettuces (head and leaf), salad mixes, arugula, swiss chard, kale, snow peas, sugar peas, radishes, turnip greens and strawberries. As we move into summer, expect to receive sweet corn, carrots, garlic. onions, multiple varieties of beans, tomatoes and peppers, cucumbers, yellow squash, zucchini, cantaloupe, black-eyed peas, purple-hulled peas, potatoes, okra, fresh herbs and watermelon. Then moving into fall will see a return of the cool weather crops, plus sweet potatoes, beans, okra, zucchini, squash, peppers, tomatoes, winter squash and pumpkins.
Q – I’m afraid I will get produce I don’t know what to do with. What help will you give me?
A – We try to strike a balance between vegetable staples and those you might not think to purchase. Each week we email shareholders a list of what we expect to harvest that week and a recipe to help you try something new. Of course one of the great advantages of having a small CSA is that we all get a chance to know each other. Feel free to call, or email us with any questions.
Q – What if I decide the CSA doesn’t work for me and I’ve already paid?
A – Unfortunately, we cannot give refunds. If you are unsure about whether or not our CSA is right for your family, we encourage you not to join this year. Instead, get your feet wet so to speak by visiting us at the White House or Hendersonville Farmer’s Markets and buying fresh vegetables a la carte. If you do have to quit because of circumstances beyond your control (moving, job loss, etc), we will do our best to work with you.
Q – Ok, I’ve decided your CSA is a good fit for our family. How do I sign up?
A – Most awesome! To join, simply click on this link for our registration page. Complete, sign and return your registration form to us via snail mail, along with your $50 deposit. If you would prefer an online option, scan your completed registration form and return via email to thehillfamilyfarm@gmail.com. Upon receipt we will email you an invoice and you can pay securely online. Thanks!!
Should you have any additional questions, please feel free to use the form below or call me at 615-330-3153. Thanks again!
This summer we are once again offering a CSA option for our farm fresh, pasture-raised eggs. Our summer CSA runs May – October and will provide fresh eggs on a weekly basis. Here are the details:
way to go. As we go through the heat of summer, we know our hens will slow down on their egg production and we will have fewer eggs to sell during our busiest time of the year. As an Egg CSA member, you are guaranteed to get your eggs before we would sell any to non-CSA members. In addition to knowing you will have your eggs each week, the CSA price reflects a price of $4.73/dz versus our retail price of $5/dz. Guaranteed eggs and saving money make our Egg CSA a great deal.
Hill Family Farm 