About the CSA

Downtown Harvest’s mission is to promote stewardship of the earth through our support of local, organic farming and building community relationships.

FAQs

What is Downtown Harvest CSA?
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!

What is a CSA?
The concept is simple, but the sum of the CSA experience is greater than its individual 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, and he has been our farmer since 2006.  John is an organic farmer and we are delighted to continue our relationship with him into 2012. 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, pest conditions and even the deer. 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.

What does it cost?
The cost of a share for the 2012 season is $575 ($600 after April 1st, if still available).  All of this money is paid directly to the farmer. In addition, a $15 administration fee is payable in cash at the first delivery.  This fee covers the cost of the web site, paper bags for vegetables and miscellaneous supplies.

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.

When is the season?
The season runs for 24 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, 120 Sussex Street, in the Paulus Hook neighborhood of Jersey City.  Shares are delivered by the farm on Wednesdays, and the distribution site is open Weds evening from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm.

What kind of vegetables can I expect, how much and when?
The vegetables distributed 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 mealsPlease note that because farming conditions such as weather, pests and animal damage are always unpredictable, types and quantities of produce CANNOT be guaranteed.

Can I purchase half a share?
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 8:00 pm 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.

Can I visit the farm?
We plan a farm visit each year with a potluck lunch and farm tour – this is a great family day in the country.

How can I join?
Enrollment opens to in February of each year.

What if I have more questions?
Please write to us as downtownharvest@yahoo.com.