Provident Organic Farm

   prov‧i‧dent [prŏv'ĭ-dənt, -dĕnt]  adj, providing carefully for future needs and events 

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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.