< veggies > < flowers > < eggs > < fruit >
What is a CSA?
As defined by the USDA: In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members or shareholders of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation and farmer’s salary. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land. Members also share in risks, including poor harvest due to unfavorable weather or pests. For more information, read the Wikipedia article about community supported agriculture or read the Providence Journal article about Rhode Island CSAs.
When you join our CSA you become a stakeholder in our farms for a season. Your membership supports our farms operations, and entitles you to a share of delicious produce, herbs, flowers and/or eggs from our fields. Every week, we’ll prepare a smattering of the finest seasonal organic produce you’ll find anywhere, sustainably grown in Cranston and Exeter, RI.
How does it work?
For twenty weeks - mid-June through the end of October - come to the farm, located at 35 Pippin Orchard Road, Cranston, RI, every Tuesday from 4 - 7 pm to pick up your share(s). If you happen to be away for a week, please give us advanced notice and we will try our best to donate your share - or better yet, please invite a friend or neighbor to pick up your share that week.
Click here for membership application
VEGGIE SHARE: Each week you’ll receive a healthy portion of what the farms produce - approximately half a bushel of veggies. Due to the nature of our growing season, shares will be lighter in the spring and heavier in later months. We estimate we’ll have 5-8 different items each week, with plenty of old standbys and some delectable rarities. Sample veggie shares:
| June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Broccoli | Kale | Edamame | Cooking Greens | Potatoes |
| Snap Peas | Swiss Chard | Leeks | Celeriac | Sweet Potatoes |
| Salad Mix | Beets | Radish | Onions | Green Beans |
| Beets | Snap Peas | Grape Tomato | Fennel | Lemon Grass |
| Scallions | Carrots | Heirloom Tomato | Sweet Potatoes | Beets |
| Garlic Scapes | Cooking Greens | Salad Mix | Bok Choi | Onions |
| Bok Choi | Summer Squash | Peppers | Radish | Peppers |
| Potted Herb | Onions | Eggplant | Parsley | Leeks |
| Head Lettuce | Basil | Garlic | Winter Squash | Carrots |
| Radish | Scallions | Onion | Eggplant | Parsnips |
FLOWER SHARE: We offer a Flower share for 12 weeks for $145 or 6 weeks for $73. You will receive a beautiful, medium sized, mixed bouquet of locally grown, chemical free flowers. The flowers are grown by Christina Dedora of Blue Skys Flower Farm. Sample flower bouquet:
| June/July | August/September |
|---|---|
| Yarrow | Sunflowers |
| Snapdragon | Zinnias |
| Larkspur | Rudebekia |
| Amaranthus | Verbena |
| Lilly | Gladioli |
| Delphinium | Aster |
EGG SHARE: We are pleased to offer an Egg share. You can sign up for 20 weeks for $95 or receive a dozen every other week, 10 weeks, for $47.50.
Our chickens:
Chang and Ger Xiong of Pak Express Farm are avid Chicken Farmers. They have raised chickens since they were small children, and are now Four Friends local suppliers of free-range, organic eggs. With over 200 chickens, they carry a variety of breeds, such as Araucanas, Black Australorps, Rhode Island Reds and Bantams. At their home in Johnston, RI, the chickens have "free range" of the land - running around, being cared for and fed daily. The eggs are fresh and unique in taste and color - the shells are light brown, pale yellow, green, and blue. You will definitely find that these eggs are better in taste and freshness!
FRUIT SHARE: The fruit share is apples, peaches and plums grown at Hill Orchards, Johnston, RI by Allan Hill. Fruit is available for 12 weeks - August through October - for $140.
