Our local CSA....What is a CSA? How much does it cost? What do you get?

What is my family's favorite Spring activity?  Going to the Farmer's Market!!  We are dorks, I know;-)  Each one of us enjoy going to them.  My oldest can't walk through without buying fresh berries, the little ones love the apples and peaches, while my Husband and I gravitate towards the berry plants, herbs, and greens usually available.  My Grandfather (Baw-Baw) always has a basic Summer garden and it's delicious.  Corn, tomatoes, squash, zucchini, watermelon....he makes sure the whole family is stocked with goodies.

Up until last week I had never heard of a CSA, it was by chance that the Facebook page of a local Farmer's Market I LOVE New Harvest Park Farmer's Market shared a post about a farm offering a CSA.  When I looked into it I loved the idea (not to mention the farm was right up the road from me) so I decided to do a little research and compare our local options.  I'm sure I won't cover all of them in this post but I know I have several.  I want to thank all the farmers and families that emailed me back providing the information I needed.  Everyone was so nice and I still haven't been able to pick a farm for our family.  Hopefully this will help your decision (and mine) be a little easier.

What is a CSA?  CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture.  You pay a fee to join or buy a share of the farm's harvest for that season then each week or every other week you receive a basket/box full of produce.  Several places let you pick them up at the farm or they will deliver to your local Farmer's Market.  Most of them contain produce only but a few have egg and meat options.  One even offers fresh cut bouquets for your basket each week!!  Most range between a 20-30 week season and prices are from $400-$800.  Several offer payment plans to make it more affordable.  Alright here we go.........

I'm going to start locally with Our Little Coffee House in Clinton, TN.  They are expanding in the Spring from a coffee house to a restaurant that offers a full menu and since they have decided to grow a lot of their own ingredients they are also going to offer a CSA.  Their CSA is unique in a couple of ways; it will be offered year round, the baskets will contain other ingredients such as organic oats, rice, spices, etc., they do not require a pre-pay commitment you simply go pay your $25 for your basket each week you wish to participate, and my favorite option is that they will let you help harvest food and tend the garden when needed in order to provide you with a discount!!  Be sure you drop by and like their Facebook page to stay up to date on when their CSA will be starting.

Next up is Mountain Meadows Farm in Heiskell, TN they are right up the road (literally) from me and I had no idea!! They are the only CSA in TN to offer both fruits and vegetable in EVERY week of their produce.  Below are the details from their website about payments and share options. 
"Summer Full Share- ½ bushel weekly of fruits and vegetables
$800 (25 weeks, May - October)

• 4 payments of $200 ($200 now, $200 May 1st, $200 June 1st, $200 July 1st)

• or pay in full $800

first pickup will be May 13-16

Summer Half Share- ½ bushel every other week of fruits & vegetables
$420 (12 weeks, May - October)

• 4 payments of $105 ($105 now, $105 May 1st, $105 June 1st, $105 July 1st)

• or pay in full $420

first pickup will be May 20-23

Fall Share - ½ bushel box of vegetables
$90 for 3 weeks (November)

They offer the following pick-up locations....
Pickup Days and Locations:Mon. Oak Ridge TBA 4-6
Mon. ORNL 3:30-5
Mon. Norris Farmers Market 4-6
Tues. Knoxville Farmers Market (Laurel Church of Christ) 4-6
Tues. Turkey Creek Farmers Market (Best Buy, 11491 Parkside Dr.) 4-6
Tues. Ebenezer Rd. & Westland Dr. 4-6
Wed. 3 Rivers Market 4-6
Wed. UT Farmers Market (UT Gardens) 5-7
Thurs. New Harvest Farmers Market (New Harvest Park) 4-6"

Here are a couple of pictures from their previous CSA baskets.....

 Be sure and check out their Facebook page.



A Place of Heart Farm is located in Campbell County, TN gives you the an option about what produce your basket contains.  Each week after they harvest they will send you a email letting you know what is available.  Below is a copy of their brochure which gives details about their pricing and pick-up options.

"WHAT IS A

C S A

Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is

a direct and sustained relationship between

the farmer and the customer. The consumer

supports the farm throughout the growing

season, and in return receives a share of the

produce.

The more direct relationship between the

farmer and the consumer benefits both! You,

as the consumer, get access to the freshest,

most nutrient-rich produce, while also learning

about seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile, the

farmer receives payment early in the season,

which helps us sustain and operate the farm.

We get an opportunity to get to know the

people who eat the food that we grow, and

you cultivate a direct connection to the people

who grow your food. The collaboration

between the consumer and the farmer

through the CSA p

How it

WORKS

Beginning May 4th, 2013 you will receive a

weekly basket of vegetables fresh from our

farm. Each week on harvest day we will email

you a list of the available vegetables, and you

will have the opportunity to select the produce

according to your needs. The contents of the

basket change based on what is in season.

At the beginning of the season we'll have

strawberries, radishes, spring onions, lettuce,

kale, spinach, and other greens. As spring

turns into summer, there will be broccoli,

sugar snap peas, cabbage, summer squash,

cucumbers, potatoes, onions, and garlic. At

the height of the summer the basket will offer

tomatoes, sweet peppers, eggplant, okra,

green beans, melons, and watermelons. We'll

also have staples such as celery, leeks, and

carrots. As fall comes, so do the sweet potatoes,

winter squash, and fall greens.

We will deliver the final CSA basket of the

season on October 19th, 2013.

 

PRICING

INFORMATION

Each week, you will be able to select 10 to 14

different kinds of vegetables, herbs, and fruits.

 Feeds a family of 4

 24-week season*

 $700 per share

(if paid by 1st market in May)

Monthly payment plan available

($720 per share)

 

Each basket = $30+ value

WHERE TO PICK UP

Each Saturday, beginning on May 4th, A Place of

the Heart Farm sets up a booth at the Market

Square Farmer's Market on Market Street in

downtown Knoxville. Baskets are available for

pick-up from 9 a.m.-2 p.m."

Now let's head over to Powell, TN to Wilson Family Farm.  They sent us some helpful information about their CSA and a neat add-on option.  They have couple of different ways available to make their CSA more affordable for each family and I love that they will include fresh cut flowers!! I guess it's the girl in me;-)

"Specifics regarding Wilson Family Farm CSA:

1) Cost:  $400.00 for a 15-week full share.   On average you receive approximately $25.00 of produce per week.  Please note however, that the value of the weekly “share” may be less than $25.00 at the beginning and end of the season, but the share value will likely be more than $25.00 during the peak of the season.  Each “share” will feed 2 – 4 people, depending on your eating habits.  When available and if time permits, we will have extra items for purchase at the pick-up site, e.g. extra tomatoes. 

Also, fresh cut bouquets will be available for $7.00 each.  If you would like to add a flower share to your membership and receive a weekly bouquet, please add $105.00 to your membership total ($400 + $105 = $505.)  If you occasionally want to purchase a bouquet please inform us at least 24 hours in advance of the delivery date you want to make the purchase.

2) Full Share Payment options: 

a) Pay in full ($400.00) at sign-up (preferred)

b) Pay half ($200.00) at sign-up, plus 2 installments of $100.00 each, due by

    April 25, 2013

c) Pay $100.00 at sign-up, plus 3 installments of $100.00 each, due by April 25, 2013

Is a full share too much?  Try a Partner Share.  A Partner Share is a Full Share purchased and shared by two parties.  Each party is responsible for paying their portion of the payment; e.g. Family A pays $200.00, Family B pays $200.00.  The partners determine how the share will be divided.  For example, Family A & B decide to split the share each week; Family C & D decide that Family C gets the full share one week and Family D gets the share the following week; so on and so on.  Each partner should complete a registration form so that we have contact info for them and are able to send them a weekly newsletter.  Please indicate on the registration form who your share partner will be.

Partner Share Payment options (per partner):

a)      Pay in full ($200.00) at sign-up (preferred)

b)      Pay half ($100.00) at sign-up, plus 2 installments of $50.00 each, due by

     April 25, 2013

New in 2013:  Small Shares.  Small shares will contain 50-60% of what is offered in the full and partner shares.  There may be occasions where some items are different from the full or partner shares.  For example, items in a full share may include radishes, whereas items in the small share may include turnips.  There is a limited number of this size share.  Please check to see if spaces are still available before mailing in your registration.

Small Share Payment options:

a)      Pay in full ($240.00) at sign-up (preferred)

b)      Pay half ($120) now, plus 2 installments of $60.00 each, due by April 25, 2013

3) Deliveries:  CSA shares are delivered at the following locations:

a)      Our farm at 1914 W. Brushy Valley Rd. in Powell, on Thursdays 4:30-6:30 p.m.

b)      Knoxville Christian Center at 818 N. Cedar Bluff Rd., in West Knoxville, on Thursdays 5:00-6:00 p.m.

c)      There is a possibility of an additional delivery site in the Inskip area, but this option is not yet confirmed.

Deliveries begin May 16 through August 29.  If our produce is not ready for harvest by May 16 we will begin the CSA on May 23 and extend it to September 5.  We will notify you if we are not able to start on schedule."

Next up we are moving on to Spring City, TN (don't worry they offer local pick-up options) to Colvin Family Farm.  The customers of this farm have gave me the most feedback, everyone especially loves the family farm days they offer:-)  They offer two different share options; a small share which is 1/4 bushel of produce for 25 weeks at $500 and large share which is 1/2 bushel of produce for 25 weeks at $750.  They offer the most options as far as picking up your baskets since they attend several Farmer's Markets in Knoxville along with Chattanooga and Maryville.  Make sure you check out their Facebook page  for more details.

Care of the Earth Community Farm is in Corryton, TN.  They also offer a payment plan to help you manage the cost of a CSA.  Here is some information they provided

We offer two regular season share options.

You may receive a

full share every week, which includes 10-15 pounds of fruits,

vegetables, and herbs based on what is coming out of the fields each week. This

typically feeds a family of four (with older children), two adults who eat a lot of veggies

(Lalo and I go through a full share in about 4 days eating every meal at home), or two

small households. An example share from late May: two heads looseleaf lettuce (about

8 servings), 1 bu. kale, 6 crowns spinach, 8 radishes, 8 carrots, 4 oz. snap peas, a

choice between broccoli and cauliflower, 1 cabbage, 1 lb. new potatoes, and dill. If you

think that is too much, we also offer an

every-other-week full share. You will receive

the same size share but every other week. In a typical share, about half of your veggies

will last a week and half of them will last at least 2 weeks and possibly months. For

example, in the share above, you would probably need to eat your lettuce, kale,

spinach, and broccoli the first week, and the rest would last through at least the

following week (cauliflower lasts much longer than broccoli). We try to be conscious of

this balance. Also remember, almost all vegetables can be put away in some way

(frozen, canned, juiced, or dried). In the summer in particular, we distribute some

vegetables (tomatoes, peppers, and squash) assuming that you put away some

vegetables for the “doldrums” when we are unable to harvest vegetables.

Cost is based on how you pay (in-full, up-front or in payments). When you may pay infull

it allows us to make all of our purchases up front and in bulk, reducing our costs

substantially (the cost is often 2 to 3 times less). Paid in-full, up-front, a

full share

every week

is $800, which works out to approximately $25/week, and an every-other week

full share

is $450. We also offer a payment plan, in which you pay in three

installments. Total share cost is more expensive this way to cover our increased costs.

See application for payment schedule and price.

CSA PICK-UP LOCATIONS

Webb School, Wednesday 2:30-4pm

Island Home Park (2126 Fisher Place), Wednesday 5-5:40pm

Fountain City (3503 Kesterwood Drive), Saturday 9-9:30am

Bearden Central Storage (6002 Kingston Pike), Saturday 10:00-10:30am

Sequoyah Hills (3905 Woodhill Place), Saturday 10:45-11:15am

You may also mark on your application if you would be interested in an Old North

Knoxville pick up location.


Hang on guys we are almost done!! I only have two more CSAs to cover and I PROMISE you don't want to miss them!! They are each different then the ones above!! 

Let's start with J.E.M. Organic Farm in Rogersville, TN.  You can find them on Facebook  for recent pictures and information.  Here is some of their information from their website. They are a Organic and NON GMO CSA.  You may think that Organic means more expensive but their prices are very competitive with the other farms and they offer a great payment plan.

 "We are pleased to present our 2013 CSA. It’s full of NON GMO free Range Eggs, NON GMO Meat and Certified Organic produce, fruit, herbs and flowers

 Once a week every Member will receive one dozen NON GMO Free Range Eggs, one pound of NON GMO pastured Meat and a selection of heirloom vegetables, fresh herbs and native Appalachian plants.  We also raise a selection of native medicinal plants that can be included if desired.

 Start Date May 11 and each Saturday Through the week of Labor Day, Sept 7th

 CSA Shares include – 1 dozen farm fresh eggs, 1lb sage breakfast sausage (Italian sausage, ground pork can be substituted as available), 1 Quarter bushel (about 2 gallons) of Organic produce.

 We will also include as a bonus for each shareholder 1 non gmo whole chicken or duck (your choice)

 CSA PRICE

 Full share - $500

 Payment options

 $200 now, $200 May 11 (1st pickup), $100 June 15

 CSA Pick up Options

 -Market Square, Saturday’s 9-2

 -UT Farmers Market,

       Wednesday 4-7 dated to be determined

 -Three Rivers Market

 By advance arrangement

 Products we grow

Lettuce

Collards

Kale

Chard

Spinach

Beets

Mustards

Arugula

Heirloom tomatoes

Heirloom cherry tomatoes

Heirloom beans

Old fashion squashes

Winter squash

Watermelon

Potatoes

Many types of medicinal and culinary herbs

Jerusalem artichokes
Elderberries

Asparagus

Raspberries

Spring onions

 We are only offering a limited number of CSA Baskets this year so make sure to reserve yours TODAY."

I love that they offer eggs, medicinal plants, and even DUCK?? I've never fixed duck but there is a first time for everything:-)

Last but certainly not least we are going to cover Wisner Farms in Dandrige, TN.  Their CSA is once again a bit different then some of the others.  They explain it better then I can so please read this statement from them, "Many CSA`s offer a "farm share" where you get a percentage of every product they grow. With raising four children and four grandchildren we know that not everyone likes everything. Thats why with our CSA you don`t have to get everything. You have the freedom of choice.

    Joining the CSA has many perks. It goes all through the year even when the farmers markets are closed. It opens your payment options to credit card and paypal. We also give our CSA members first pick at product which is good because we do run out. Also delivery to your area is included. Now you don`t have to come to the farm (but you still can if you want to out doors are always open).
    We grow many different types of vegetables. As well as the garden we also provide All-Natural Grass Fed Beef, Pork, Chicken, Turkey, Duck, Goat and Lamb. We pride ourselves in raising everything the way nature intended it to be raised. No hormones, chemicals, stereroids, or pesticides are used on our farm.
    Our CSA also includes many items most farms do not have. We handmake many canned goods such as; Apple Butter, Apple Sauce, Strawberry Jam, Blackberry Jam and Grape Jam. Though all of that is wonderful, what you will be drooling over are Lucy`s Artisan breads. One smell will have your stomach growling.
    Now for the conditions of the CSA. We require a $25 annual membership fee, to be paid before your first order. and there is a minimum of one order per month. An email will be sent out on Mondays with our product availability. We will need a reply and payment ( paypal is set up now) by wednsday. Then we will meet you at your designanted Drop location."  They offer several options for local drop offs and pick ups including New Harvest Park Farmer's Marker (have I mentioned I love this Farmer's Market?!).  Wisner Farms has just about anything you could think of.  In additon to their regular CSA price list...

WISNER FARMS CSA PRICE LIST
1235 Treadway Drive	Updated February 18, 2013	Tel # 865-397-2512
Dandridge, TN 37725	E-mail: wisnerfarms@yahoo.com
PRODUCT	DESCRIPTION	PRICE +	PER
Pastured Eggs
Large Mixed Eggs	Pastured Brown Eggs, 12/carton	$6.00	Doz
Medium Eggs	Pastured Brown Eggs, 12/carton	$5.00	Doz
Duck Eggs	Pastured White Eggs, 12/carton	$8.00	Doz
Duck Eggs	Large White Eggs, Each	$0.75	each
Pastured Poultry
Pastured Broilers/Fryers	Whole Frozen Bird, 3-5 lbs each	$5.50	lb
Pastured Roasters	Whole Frozen Bird, 4-8 lbs each	$5.50	lb
Stewing Hens	Whole Frozen Bird, 2-4 lbs each	$4.00	lb
Pastured Chicken Livers	1 lb pack	$3.00	lb
Pastured Duck Livers	1 lb pack	$10.00	lb
Pastured Fresh Heritage Turkey	We have one left about 17 lbs	$5.50	lb
Rock Cornish Game Hens - Sold Out	Whole Frozen Birds in 2 pack	$6.50	lb
Pastured Duck	Whole Bird 2.5-6.0 lbs each	$6.00	lb
Grass Fed Beef
90/10 Ground Beef	1-2 lb bulk pkg.	$6.00	lb
Beef Soup Bones - Sold Out	Mixed Bones, 1-3 lb pkg.	$2.50	lb
Beef Heart	1/2 heart per pkg.	$3.50	lb
Beef Liver	Sliced, 1 lb pkg.	$4.00	lb
Stew Beef	Bite-sized cubes,1 lb pkg.	$6.00	lb
Cube Steak	1 lb pkg.	$7.00	lb
Beef Short Ribs	2-4 lb pkg.	$5.00	lb
Beef Stir Fry	Sliced, 1 lb pkg.	$7.00	lb
Beef Tips - Kabobs	Bite size cubes, 1 lb pkg	$7.00	lb
Ox Tail	1-2 per pack	$4.00	lb
Beef Tongue	1 per pack	$4.00	lb
Marrow Bones - For Soups or Dogs	1 - 2 per pack	$2.50	lb
Steaks
Skirt Steak - Sold Out	1" thick, 1 per pkg, 1-2 lbs	$10.00	lb
Flank Steak - Sold Out	1" thick, 1 per pkg, 1-2 lbs	$10.00	lb
Sirloin Steak	1 1/4" thick, 1 per pkg, 1-3 lb pkg.	$12.00	lb
New York Strip	1" thick, 1 per pkg, .5-1 lb pkg.	$15.00	lb
T-Bone	1" thick, 1 per pkg, 1-2 lb pkg.	$16.00	lb
Porterhouse	1" thick, 1 per pkg, 1-2 lb pkg.	$16.00	lb
Rib Eye	1" thick, 1 per pkg, .5-1 lb pkg.	$18.00	lb
Filet Steaks (Filet Mignon) - Sold Out	1 " thick, 1 per pkg, 1/4-1/2 lb pkg	$20.00	lb
Roasts			lb
Arm Roast	1 per pkg, 2-4 lbs each	$6.00	lb
Rump Roast	1 per pkg, 2-4 lbs each	$7.00	lb
Chuck Roast	1 per pkg, 2-4 lbs each	$7.00	lb
Beef Brisket	1 per pkg, 2-4 lbs each	$7.00	lb
Sirloin Tip Roast	1 per pkg, 2-4 lbs each	$8.00	lb
Eye of Round	1 per pkg, 2.5-4 lbs each	$9.00	lb
Farm Raised All Natural Pork
Boston Butt	1 per pkg, 6-15 lbs each	$5.00	lb
Pork Ribs - Whole racks or cut up	1 per pkg, 2-3 lbs each	$7.00	lb
Center Cut Pork Chops - Thick for roasting	2 chops per pack	$10.50	lb
Center Cut Pork Chops - Thin for frying	2 chops per pack	$10.50	lb
Pork Tenderloin - Boneless	1 whole tenderloin, 1-3 lbs each	$12.00	lb
Hickory Smoked Thick Cut Bacon	1 lb packs	$7.00	lb
Pork Fat	1 lb packs	$2.00	lb
Pork Lard	1 lb packs	$2.50	lb
Ground Unseasoned Pork	1 lb pkg.	$5.50	lb
Pork Sausages - Breakfast (no msg)
Bulk Sausage - Medium & Hot	1-2 lb bulk pkg.	$5.50	lb
Bulk Sausage - Medium with MSG	1-2 lb bulk pkg.	$4.50	lb
Bulk Sausage - Italian	1-2 lb bulk pkg.	$5.50	lb
Bulk Sausage - Very Hot - sold out	1-2 lb bulk pkg.	$5.50	lb
Grass Fed Lamb
Ground Unseasoned Lamb - Sold Out	Approx. 1 lb bulk pkg.	$11.00	lb
Lamb Chops	2 per pkg.	$18.00	lb
Lamb Ribs	1 lb pack	$10.00	lb
Leg Steaks	1 per pkg.	$13.00	lb
Leg Shanks	1 per pkg.	$12.00	lb
Lamb Rack Roast	1 per pack	$15.00	lb
Lamb Liver & Heart - Sold Out	1 lb pack	$5.00	lb
Bone-In Leg of Lamb	1 per pack	$13.00	lb
Grass Fed Goat
Ground Goat Burger	1 lb pack	$9.00	lb
Chops	2 per pkg.	$14.00	lb
Ribs	1 per packl	$10.00	lb
Leg Steaks	1 per pack	$10.00	lb
Leg Shanks	1 per pack	$9.00	lb
Rack Roast	1 per pack	$12.00	lb
Bone-In Leg of Goat	1 per pack	$9.00	lb
Goat Liver & Heart	1 lb pack	$4.50	lb
Ready-To-Bake Biscuits
Ready-To-Bake Biscuits	12 Pack Frozen	$4.50	each
Apple Butter & Apple Sauce
Pt. Apple Butter & Vanilla Apple Butter	1 pt jar	$8.00	each
Qt. Apple Butter & Vanilla Apple Butter	1 qt jar	$15.00	each
1/2 Pt Apple Butter Sold Out	1/2 Pt. Jar	$5.00	each
Pt. All Natural Apple Sauce	1 pt jar	$6.50	each
1/2 Pt. Pumpkin Butter	1/2 Pt. Jar	$5.00	each
Pt. Pumpkin Butter	1 Pt. Jar	$8.00	each
1/2 Pt. Pumpkin Butter	1/2 Pt jar	$5.00	each
Qt. All Natural Apple Sauce - Sold Out	1 qt jar	$12.00	each
Fruit Jams
1/2 Pt. Blackberry, Black Rasberry & Strawberry	1/2 Pt. Jar	$6.00	each
Pt. Strawberry	Pt. Jar	$10.00	each
1/2 Pt. Blueberry	1/2 Pt. Jar	$6.00	each
Other Products
King Arthur - Sir Galahad Artisan Flour **	5 lb bag	$4.50	each
Wisner Farms Natural Chicken Layer Feed	50 lb. bag	$20.00	each

They also offer some great bulk buy options...

WISNER FARMS CSA - BULK ORDERS  (as of 2/19/13)

 Breakfast Special:

1- Ready-To-Bake Biscuits

2- Packs Sausage

2- Dozen Eggs

1- ½ Pt Jam

                Total $30.00

Poultry Passion:

1 – Pasture Raised Duck

2 - 2–3 lb. Pasture Raised Chicken Fryer

1 - 3–4 lb Pasture Raised Chicken Roaster

                Total $76.00

Family Pack:

10- Pounds 90/10 Ground Beef

3- Pasture Raised Chickens

2- Pork Tenderloins

2- Chuck Roasts

1- Round Steak

2- Packs Short Ribs

6- Pounds Medium Sausage or 5 lbs bacon

2- Dozen Pasture Raised Eggs

                Total $295.00

Crock Pot Special:

1- Rump Roast

1- Arm Roast

2- Beef Short Ribs

1- Pork Tenderloin

2- ½ Chuck Roast

                Total $120.00

On The Grille:

5- Lbs Ground Beef

2- Packs Center Cut Pork Chops

1- Whole Rack Pork Ribs

2- Ribeye Steaks

3- New York Strip Steaks’

                Total $135.00

Steak Lovers Pack:

3- New York Strips

2- Rib Eye Steaks

2- T-Bone Steaks

2- Porterhouse Steaks

2- Cube Steaks

                Total $105.00

Well there you go everyone!! I aplogize for the length of this post but hopefully it answered some if not all of your questions regarding local CSA options.  As  I said at the beginning I know that I haven't covered all of the farms so if you use one or know of one that also offers a CSA please feel free to share some information in the comment section!!  Thanks for reading :-)