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How it Works
How it Works
Provident
Organic Farm CSA operates on a leased 10 acre field and a 1/2 acre of
intensively managed raised beds. It utilizes cold frames and a passive
solar greenhouse for season extension Along with the standards of
beans, greens, squash, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers, and melons, we strive to
introduce our shareholders to vegetables they may not be familiar with or
use often such as leeks, kohlrabi, and heirloom tomatoes.
Click
here to see our produce selection.
Shared Risks/Shared Rewards
Each year members commit
to purchasing a share of what will be supplied by Provident Farm and
pay for it before the season starts. This financial arrangement enables the
farmer to cover the heavy initial expenses related to farming
without borrowing, helping to keep operating costs down. In
exchange, the farmer uses all of their knowledge and skill to
provide each shareholder with a bountiful basket of safe, nutritious
and fresh food weekly. The members must be aware that like any
investment there is no guarantee. Mother Nature provides no
guarantees and neither can the farmer.
Distribution
During the season, members
pick up their share weekly (Tuesday, Friday or Saturday) at one of our
convenient locations. With each share comes a newsletter with a
list of each week's produce, tips on post harvest handling and recipes,
notes from Jay about what's happening on the farm and other valuable
information. If a member is unable to pick up their share they can
arrange to have it picked up by a friend or have it donated to a local
food bank or shelter in the area. Shares not picked up are donated
the next day. If a member does not pick up their share for two
consecutive weeks without notification, they will be contracted by the
site coordinator for an explanation. After three weeks they will
be dropped until we are notified.
Core Group
All members are invited to
periodic core group meetings throughout the season. The core
group, known as "The Steering Wheels" meets with the farmer to share
ideas and concerns and participate in the ongoing success of the CSA.
Split Shares
We do not offer split shares,
it is simply too much additional work to package and distribute partial
shares. Members may partner with another family or individual.
If you are unable to find someone with whom to split a share, contact
us, we may know of someone who needs a partner.
Working
Shares/Volunteering
The farm offers discounted
working shares to members willing and able to make a stronger commitment
to the success of the CSA. Both on farm and off farm positions are
available. On farm help is most needed on harvest days, Tuesday and
Friday: picking, prepping and dividing up the shares. Other on
farm tasks may include transplanting, mulching, and weeding. If
you are able to help on a regular basis, your share cost will be
determined by your commitment. If you would like to help out
on the farm, please
contact us. Our experience is that most members who help on the
farm enjoy the time spent and sore muscles.
Click here for more
volunteer information.
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