Sweet Pea CSA is a community of individuals and families dedicated to supporting sustainable agriculture and to enjoying the benefits of healthy, organic food. Please note that joining the CSA is a commitment to fulfill certain responsibilities as well as an opportunity to receive the many benefits of membership. We believe that the benefits of membership make fulfillment of all the responsibilities worthwhile!
Benefits - The food: Members of the CSA receive a weekly vegetable share consisting of approximately 7-12 items (shares will vary in size and weight depending on the time of the season). All the vegetables are certified organic by a third-party certifier and are brought fresh to the distribution site each week. Members can also choose to participate in a fruit share, egg share or flower share - or all of them. (Note that while the fruit is not organic, it is grown next door to Garden of Eve using compost and low-spray techniques.)
- Educational opportunities: The CSA organizes regular events that allow members to expand their knowledge of local food issues. These include visits to Garden of Eve farm, nutrition and cooking workshops, seminars on sustainable agriculture techniques and potluck meals.
- Community: Joining the CSA means joining a community of like-minded Brooklynites who share your interest in sustainable local agriculture and a healthy lifestyle. Pick-up days are an opportunity to meet other members, share ideas and recipes, and make new friends. Regular CSA events bring members together to enjoy their shared community.
- Acting on your values: By joining the CSA, members have the opportunity to put their values into practice by supporting local agriculture and sustainable, organic farming.
2009 Season
Membership for our 2009 season is currently closed. Please check back next year, or email us at sweetpeacsa@gmail.com to be placed on the notification list for our 2010 season.
Please note that Sweet Pea CSA usually has more applications than available shares. Returning members will be offered an early sign-up and new applications will be prioritized on a first-come, first-served basis. If the CSA fills up, any additional applications will be placed on our wait list and will be contacted right away if a spot opens up.
| Responsibilities - Sharing the risks: CSA members agree to support their farmer by sharing in the inherent risks of agriculture (poor weather, drought, crop failure, etc.) and the rewards (fresh, organic vegetables, the bounty of a good season, etc.). On the whole, members will get a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in plentiful amounts but unexpected events may result in a decreased share at any time during the season.
- Volunteering: Sweet Pea CSA is an all-volunteer organization, which means that all members are expected to volunteer their time at distributions to ensure that the CSA can operate. Volunteering entails working at the pick-up location twice during the season for about two hours each time. Tasks including setting up the site, staffing the check-in desk, restocking the produce, cleaning up and bringing the leftovers to our food donation site. If you're not able to volunteering during regular distribution hours, there are many other ways to fulfill this important requirement. Just be in touch with the volunteer coordinator to explore the options.
- Financial commitment: CSA members must commit to being timely with monetary payments. Members also agree to pay a $15 administrative fee. Discounted shares are available for those who unable to fulfill the regular financial commitment of the CSA; please contact us for more information.
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