Frequently Asked Questions

What is a CSA?
The short answer: Community Supported Agriculture

The long answer: It's a partnership between a community and a farm. The farmer gets a guaranteed income and market for his produce. The community gets great local, organic food in return.

How does it work?
Basically, you buy a "share" in a farm. The farmer uses your money to... farm! Then each Thursday he delivers a truckload of produce to the Garden at Union. Members stop by in the afternoon and evening to pickup their share of food.

How long does the 2008 CSA season last?
June 19th - November 20th 2008

Where do I pick up my vegetables?
Garden of Union
Union Street between 4th and 5th Avenues
steps from the R train at Union

When can I pick up my vegetables?
THURSDAYS 4:00-7:30pm
Full Shares every Thursday, June 19 - November 20
EOW odd-week pick-up, June 19 - November 6
EOW even-week pick-up, June 26 - November 13

What should I bring with me?
Bags! You will want to have some plastic bags to measure out greens and small vegetables. We also suggest bringing a large tote bag or rolling cart to carry your produce home.

What is the time committment for members?
The Park Slope CSA is a member-run organization, so we do ask for a small amount of your time to make things run smoothly. Members are required to work 5 hours during the season. For most, this means helping out for 2 shifts at the distribution site. You can signup for whatever date and time works best with your schedule.

The first shift from 3:00 to 5:30 focuses on set-up. Duties include helping Farmer Ted unload the truck, organizing and labeling bins of food, setting up scales and benches and signs in the garden, and restocking produce. You also get to hold a clipboard and check people off as they come in to pick up their shares.

The 5:30-8:00 includes restocking produce, check-in, and then closing down the garden. After the last stragglers have filed through the garden, you take care of gathering the leftover produce for City Harvest, stacking bins in the storage shed, and returning the garden to its original state.

For the few who cannot work at the site, other tasks can be done from home.

What happens if it rains?
Rain, schmain, a little water never hurt a turnip now did it? Actually, the Park Slope CSA has two small tents which make appearances during inclement weather.

What if I can't be there to pick up my share?
You can supply the Park Slope CSA with a list of people authorized to pickup your share. Invite a neighbor, friend, co-worker or family member to pick up in your absence. (It's a great way to spread the word on CSA.) All they have to do is give your name to the check-in person at the gate.

Any food not picked up by members is donated to City Harvest.