CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture, which is a farming model that connects people to their local farming community. In this model, members of the community purchase a “share” of the farm’s produce before a growing season begins. This gives the farmer added financial flexibility to purchase supplies and seeds, as well as the ability to plan for the number of shares they will need to grow for. It’s a great deal for CSA members as well because they usually receive more produce over the entire growing season than they paid for. Support of our CSA includes the additional bonus of supporting the teens in our Cultiva Youth Project.

Each week during the growing season, community members pick up their “share,” which includes an assortment of fresh, organically grown produce harvested that week. Our CSA pick-up is “market style”, meaning that members will get to choose items from set choices each week. CSA members typically receive between 7 and 10 items each week. They will receive an assortment of items depending on what is being harvested and in season that week. We try to offer a good mix of greens, roots, alliums, brassicas, fruiting crops, and herbs.

Through joining a CSA, members enter into an agreement with the farmer, acknowledging that they will share in the bounty of the harvest, but also may share in losses incurred due to poor weather, insects, or other unforeseen circumstances.

The Growing Gardens CSA is unique in that participants have the opportunity to meet and build relationships with the young farmers while they learn from them about the produce available each week. Each CSA member receives a weekly newsletter update with photos documenting the growth of the youth and the farm throughout the season, along with special insights and seasonal recipes. Your participation in our CSA program directly impacts the Cultiva Youth Project leadership program, as well as supplies you with fresh, organically grown produce every week!