FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a CSA?
A CSA, (for Community Supported Agriculture) is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become “members” (or “shareholders,” or “subscribers”) of the CSA. Most CSA farmers prefer that members pay for the season up-front, but some farmers will accept weekly or monthly payments. Some CSAs also require that members work a small number of hours on the farm during the growing season.
Many farms offer produce subscriptions, where buyers receive a weekly or monthly basket of produce, flowers, fruits, eggs, milk, meats, or any sort of different farm products.
A CSA season typically runs from late spring through early fall. The number of CSAs in the United States was estimated at 50 in 1990, and has since grown to over 2200.
definition sourced from: http://www.localharvest.org/csa/
What is Flatbush Farm Share?
Flatbush Farm Share (FFS) is a CSA based in Flatbush, Brooklyn. Our mission is to make local, organic produce available to any Brooklyn resident, regardless of economic status. We offer a sliding scale price structure and the options to pay in installments and/or with food stamps.
Read all about us Here.
What does membership Involve?
Membership is a commitment to purchase from our farmer and to volunteer at least 4-hours over the course of the season (during distribution or by doing other pre-arranged tasks). We operate entirely on volunteer labor, so your commitment to participate is vital! By becoming a member, you are making an investment in The Farm at Miller’s Crossing and the community by supporting local, sustainable agriculture, enjoying fresh organic produce, and helping to make it more accessible to all community members.
Do I have to volunteer every week?
No! The volunteer commitment is only 4 hours over 22 weeks. It involves doing 2 shifts at distribution, either a set-up (4:30-6:30) or a closing (6:30-8:30). If you can’t lift heavy boxes of veggies, there are still things for you to do.
How much produce do you get?
You can choose to purchase a full or a single share of produce. A full share feeds approximately 3-4 people; a half-share feeds 1-2 people, depending on how much you eat. Each share size consists of 7-10 different vegetables or herbs. See examples of last year’s shares. You can also see a chart of our farmer’s anticipated weekly harvest on their website.
Where do the vegetables come from?
The farm we partner with is about 127 miles away near Hudson, in upstate NY. Later in the summer we usually have a day trip to visit our farmers. The Farm at Miller’s Crossing: http://www.farmatmillerscrossing.com
Is the produce organic?
The vegetables are certified organic, picked the day of distribution, delicious and seasonal–you can’t get them any fresher than that. The fruit is as close to organic as is possible in this region.
Do you get to choose your share?
You don’t get to pick what vegetables you receive for the week, but if there’s something you don’t want, we have a swap box. Also, you do get to hand pick each particular veggie of those pre-selected for the weekly share. If you don’t know what to do with some of the items, we have a newsletter that publishes weekly recipes and tips; members also have the opportunity to exchange a lot of tips informally at distribution and at social events. You learn in a simple and pleasant way about what veggies are seasonable in this region and you get to experiment with new foods.
Does FFS offer anything other than vegetables? / How do extra shares work?
Yes! It will vary from one season to another, but we typically have fruit, eggs, dairy, and beef. We may also have coffee, wine, and tempe. We get these from different farmers and providers who are also local and cultivate their products responsibly. We have to arrange these farmer partnerships each year so check to see what’s available Here. We offer discounted prices for fruit on a sliding scale. Eggs, yogurt, and cheese are a single price for all, but can be purchased with EBT or weekly cash payments. Get to Know Our FFS Produce Suppliers.
What does it cost?
You can find all the pricing details Here.
How do I know which price level I am?
Use the charts on page two of the Membership Form: Find your household size > find your gross income (before taxes) > find your level > find your price! Our highest price for a single share is $15.00 a week; the lowest, $3.86 a week. We do not require income verification for any price level–we trust you! Level 1, however, is reserved specifically for EBT payers and people on public assistance, so we do ask to see your EBT card or New York Benefits Card on the first day of distribution.
How does level 1 and level 2 payment work?
At Level 1: People can pay with their EBT card every week or all upfront, but must show their EBT card at the first distribution; New York Benefits cardholders can pay in weekly cash installments or upfront. At Level 2: People can opt to pay in weekly or monthly cash installments.
How can I join?
Fill out our Membership Form and send to NYCCAH along with your deposit or full payment (see form for details). Please note that there is a cutoff date for sending in your memberhip forms. Beyond that date, please send an email to membership@flatbushfarmshare.com to see if we are still accepting applicants for the wait list. You can also get up to date information about current Membership news Here, such as when our membership levels are full.
How do I pay for my 2012 Summer Share?
Checks should be made payable to “Flatbush Farm Share” and mailed to:
Flatbush Farm Share
c/o Allison Trevorrow
41 Clarkson Ave #3F
Brooklyn, NY 11226
When/how do I get vegetables? Do you deliver?
You pick up your share every Wednesday evening from 5-8pm. There is no delivery service. The season lasts 22 weeks. The first pick up is the first Wednesday in June. The last pick up is the last Wednesday in October. We will also be having a winter share from November to January; you can sign up for that later.
What happens if I miss picking up my share?
Picking up your share on time is part of your member commitment; if you do not do so, we donate your food to a local pantry. If you go on vacation, you can have someone else pick up for you, but you also have the comfort of knowing that your food will not go to waste if no one picks up.
Where do you pick up the food?
Our site is at the Flatbush Reformed Church, just off the B/Q subway on Church Ave and Flatbush, but you have to walk back behind the church to E 21st Street and Kenmore Terrace. Parking space is available. Map it here.
