Sowing the Seeds: USH CSA 2010 Season

Welcome to the USH CSA blog.  We will be using this as a place to update you on our progress, develop community, and share recipes and stories.  

Sign up is now underway through April 30th; to apply, please complete our form.

Following are some links that may be of interest to you as a prospective member:

• Catalpa Ridge is our CSA provider for the 2010 season. The season lasts from June - October.  Their 2009 growing season matrix should give you an idea of what to expect, and when. Catalapa Ridge also provides produce for the annual Heirloom Tomato and Garlic Festivals.
  
• The committee did a high level RFP assessment of several providers, including Catalpa Ridge.  Once we selected a vendor, a formal proposal was submitted to and approved by the USH Board.
• The USH CSA was inspired in part by Nigel Savage of Hazon.  Hazon also runs a terrific food blog called The Jew and The Carrot.

Some FAQ's:

How long is the share season?

June - October 2010

What will I get, how much, and when?

Take a look the 2009 season schedule and current harvest schedule to get an idea of what produce is available, when, and total delivery weight. 

http://www.jerseygrown.net/2009SeasonOverview.htm

http://www.jerseygrown.net/HarvestSchedule.htm

Is it organic?

Details are on their website, at 

http://www.jerseygrown.net/ReOrganicCertification.htm

When is it delivered?

Weekly, on Tuesdays from June - October. Pick up will be from noon - 7:45 pm.

What happens to the produce that doesn't get picked up?

It will donated to a shelter. 

What if I don't like/am allergic to something in the weekly delivery?

You have two options.  1) You can donate it to the shelter. 2) You can use the swap box and choose something else.

How much does it cost?

$575/share

What is the volunteer requirement?

The total volunteer requirement will be based in part on total enrollment.  As of now, it looks like 2 - 3 hours per share; this is the total estimated time required for the entire season. Again, please note final volunteer numbers will be announced once we have a complete share count. 

Shifts are 2 hours each, on Tuesdays either from 11 am - 1 pm or 6 pm - 8 pm.  If you cannot make these, please detail on the enrollment form how you could help, and when.  Selection for applicants is based in part on availability to volunteer. 

Please note that this time is separate from the USH membership volunteer requirements. If you are a USH member and a CSA participant, you will have 2 distinct volunteer responsibilities.

You can sign up for shifts online by visiting our USH CSA 2010 Volunteer Schedule.

If you would like to add a post, please email Julie Steinberg at jdsteinberg@optonline.net

Thanks for visiting and we hope to hear from you soon.

Image: vitasamb2001 / FreeDigitalPhotos.net