| What is CSA? |
| |
CSA stands for Community Supported
Agriculture, and represents a partnership
between the farmer and consumer. |
| What is a CSA share? |
| |
A CSA share is an annual agreement whereby members can
support their local farmer by purchasing "shares"
of the coming season's harvest. The member gets fresh,
local food that is a good value compared to regular market
prices and as your farmers we agree to do everything we
can to supply members with a season's worth of the best
food possible. |
| How does the Community Supported
Agriculture (CSA) membership work? |
| |
Members pay a membership fee at the beginning of the
season to cover the costs of operating the farm. In turn,
they get a share of the harvest every week. |
| How much does CSA membership cost? |
| |
The share price for the 2010 season is $500 dollars.
You have the option of paying the entire amount up front,
or sending a $250.00 down payment with the balance due
August 1st.
or
We are offering monthly payments starting January 15,
2010 - $100 per month January - May.
|
| Who can join? |
| |
Membership is open to anyone in the area. |
| How big are the shares; how many
people can a share feed? |
| |
The deliveries are generally packed
in a 3/4 bushel box. Occasionally we may send a 1 1/9
bushel box when we have larger items, like cabbage,
melons, etc.. A full share can help feed up to a family
of four for a week.
We will try to include 5-6 items in each box. Remember
being a member of a CSA means seasonal eating, therefore
tomatoes won't be available until July, for example.
Leafy greens grow better in spring and fall than in
mid-summer, and sweet corn isn't available until mid-to-late
summer. We try to balance variety and quantity, and
welcome your feedback every week. |
| When can I pick up my produce? |
| |
| Your CSA share will be available for
pick up at the following locations: |
| Shelton Family Farm |
*Jackson County / Sylva Farmer's
Market |
| Friday: 2 - 6 p.m.
or
Saturday: 8:30 - 11 a.m. |
Saturday:
9 a.m. - 12 noon
|
In 2010, the delivery/pickup days for CSA shares will
be Friday or Saturday.
If you can't make a pickup time, you should try to
have someone pick up your share for you.
If you tell us ahead of time, we can hold on to your
share for two days.
If you miss your pick-up and haven't made prior arrangements
with us or a secondary person, your share will be donated
to a local food pantry. We will not re-sell a share
that you already paid for.
|
| Where do I get my produce? |
| |
Shares are available for pick up at Shelton Family
Farm on Thomas Valley Road, Whittier, North Carolina
» see
driving directions
or at the Jackson
County Farmer's Market in Sylva
If 10 or more shares are ordered at a particular location
(workplace, school, town or neighborhood) within the
surrounding area, delivery will be provided for that
location. |
| When is the first pick-up? |
| |
It will be mid to late May. We'll contact you to let
you know when. We plan to have the season run until Thanksgiving. |
| How does Shelton Family Farm communicate
with CSA members? |
| |
The most efficient way to communicate with members is
through e-mail. Please make sure that you always have
a valid e-mail address, and you have set any spam filter
to accept sheltonfamilyfarm@verizon.net
as an approved sender. At times, we also have to communicate
by phone, so please ensure that we have your current phone
number(s). If you call us and receive the voice mail prompt,
please make sure to leave a message with your contact
information and best time to call, so we can return your
call promptly! |
| What if we're on vacation? |
| |
You can offer your share to a friend who can pick up
the food and enjoy it in your absence. You may also notify
us that you wish to donate your shares, and for the weeks
you are gone we will bring the share to the local food
pantry. |
| Can I split a share? |
| |
Yes. Buy a full share and arrange to split it with another
person or family. You are responsible for splitting the
box of produce with the other person. |
| Are memberships/shares transferable? |
| |
Yes, you may transfer your shares to another person. |
| What happens when there is a crop
failure or bad weather? How does this affect my share? |
| |
When extreme weather is happening, crops are most likely
affected. Your share may look a little scarce until the
farms have a chance to recover, and crops come back to
life. When you join CSA, you're taking a risk along with
the farmers. You will also share in the bounty when the
farmers are doing well. |
| What are my responsibilities as
a CSA member? |
| |
When you sign up for a membership with the CSA program,
you are responsible for picking up your share on the scheduled
delivery day, and within the pickup time. You are required
to check the sign in sheets at your pick up site, you
then sign the sheet, and go enjoy your fresh vegetables
and/or fruits! |
| What happens if I forget to pick
up my share? |
| |
Because it is your responsibility as a CSA share member
to pick up your share within the set time frame, please
keep in mind that we are under no obligation to hold your
share past the scheduled delivery/pick up time. We retain
the right to donate any shares that haven't been picked
up to a local food pantry or shelter. We cannot switch
delivery dates, send replacement shares, or issue credits/refunds
for missed pickups. |
| How do I sign up? |
| |
If we have answered all of your questions, and our CSA
sounds right for you, then we look forward to having you
as a member!
Click Register
to become a member of Shelton Family Farm CSA. The registration
form contains contact information and payment details. |
