Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
Do I need to volunteer any time to the CSA?
Where is the distribution point?
What kind of vegetables can I expect, how much and when?
What happens if I forget to pick up my share, or can’t get there in time?
What if I have more questions?
Downtown Harvest is an initiative begun in 2004 by members of OLC Catholic Church (Jersey City) who want to enjoy fresh, organic produce, grow a more direct relationship with our community, and promote stewardship of our earth by fostering sustainable agriculture.
We hope that people expressing an interest in membership of this CSA share our values, and appreciate this spiritual connection with all heavenly bodies – including our own!
The concept is simple, but the sum of the CSA experience is greater than its parts.
CSA is all about relationships - with a farmer, with the earth and with each other.
A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a group of people who purchase a portion of a farmer’s harvest before it is even planted. Paying the farmer in advance provides funds needed at the beginning of the year: for seed, farm supplies, labor, etc. CSAs also provide farmers an assured market for their produce, enabling them to spend more time on the farm, and less time marketing.
During the harvest season, once a week the farmer brings the members’ weekly share to a distribution location. Members come to collect their vegetables, trade cooking tips and catch up with friends.
Downtown Harvest selected John Krueger of Starbrite Farm as our farmer for 2006. John is an organic farmer, and we are delighted to continue our relationship with him into 2009.
While we always hope for a bountiful harvest, it is important to note that members also share the risks of farming with their farmer. Each growing season is unique with different weather and pest conditions.
Our farmer provides members with a weekly update from the farm where members learn about the growing season, the challenges he encounters and how he responds to them. Members often say that have a new appreciation for the vegetables they pick up each week.
The cost of a share for the 2009 season is $515. All of this money goes directly to the farmer.
In addition, a $15 administration fee is payable in cash at the first delivery.
Do I need to volunteer any time to the CSA?
Yes. Our CSA is operated entirely by volunteer effort. Each member is required to contribute his/her time at least once during the season. Most members do this by working one delivery night. Others contribute their time to help run the CSA and various activities.
The season runs for 22 weeks. The first delivery is expected in June. The exact date is dependent on growing conditions and will be communicated to members close to the starting date.
Where is the distribution point?
Members come to the garage next door to the OLC Church to pick up their shares on Wednesdays. The distribution is open from 5:30 pm to 8:00pm
What kind of vegetables can I expect, how much and when?
The vegetables will vary as the season progresses. Early deliveries contain more greens, then progress into the later summer and early fall vegetables with more variety and quantity. Most weeks you will have from 6-10 varieties of organic produce. How many the share will feed depends on the member – how often you cook at home, and whether vegetables play a significant part in your meals
Click 2007 Weekly Produce Delivery List or 2006 Weekly Produce Delivery List to open a separate window with delivery logs from prior years. Please note that because farming conditions such as weather, pests and animal damage are always unpredictable, these types and quantities of produce CANNOT be guaranteed.
Half shares are not available. If you would like to split your share with a friend or relative you may do so.
What happens if I forget to pick up my share, or can’t get there in time?
Any produce that remains at 8:00pm is given to the Emergency Food Pantry operated by Our Lady of Sorrows, along with shares that have been donated to them. This produce helps to provide a ‘life raft’ to our Jersey City neighbors who are experiencing an emergency need for food.
We plan a farm visit each year with a potluck lunch and farm tour – this is a great family day in the country.
Enrollment opens to returning members in February and, if shares are available, to new members in March.
2009 Enrollment information is available here.
What if I have more questions?
Please write to us as downtownharvest@yahoo.com.
