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 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 has been our farmer since 2006. John
is an organic farmer and we are delighted to continue our relationship with him
into 2011.
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.
The cost of a share for the 2011 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. 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.
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, 120 Sussex Street, Jersey City to pick up their shares on
Wednesdays. The distribution site is open 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
meals
Please note that because farming conditions
such as weather, pests and animal damage are always unpredictable, 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 8:00 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.
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 everyone in February.
2011 Enrollment information is available on
Downtown Harvest’s main web page.
What if I have more questions?
Please write to us as downtownharvest@yahoo.com.