FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

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Read our CSA Member Agreement for more details about how the CSA works. For more general questions:

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What's a "CSA"?

CSA stands for "Community-Supported Agriculture." It's a partnership between a farm and its community. CSA members pay a subscription fee at the beginning of the growing season, which the farm then uses to buy seeds and supplies. In return, the farm harvests “the cream of the crop” for members and delivers it each week to a pick-up location. The CSA model creates a direct connection between farmers and eaters.

 

What kinds of vegetables will I receive?

Each week, you’ll receive the freshest vegetables in season. We grow over fifty types of vegetables and strive to provide a wide variety week-to-week, so there’s always something you love and never too much of something you’re tired of. Our Recipes page shows most of the vegetables we grow. For some of the vegetables we don't grow, we buy them in from neighboring farms.

What if I don't know how to cook a certain vegetable?
Each week, you'll receive a newsletter with a list of what's in the box, along with recipes, meal ideas, and cooking inspiration to help you in the kitchen. Also, if there's a vegetable you just don't want to receive, you can use our online store to swap it out for something else before we harvest and pack your box.

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Are your vegetables organic?

Yes, except in one important sense: we're not certified organic by the USDA. In the future, we would consider becoming certified, but for now, the paperwork and costs don't make sense. We rigorously follow organic practices on the farm: we use no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, we use no GMOs, we plant habitat for pollinators, and we use lots of compost to nourish the soil. You're welcome to visit the farm to see for yourself!

How do you set the price?
We make our living by the CSA: it's how we sell 98% of our produce. The price reflects what we need in order to pay ourselves and all employees a certified living wage of at least $17.65 per hour, while still covering expenses and making improvements to the farm. Here's a copy of our budget, if you'd like to look into the numbers. If you can’t afford the full price, email us: with community help, we offer some shares on a sliding scale (i.e. pay-what-you-can).

Can I pay in installments?
Yes. It helps the farm if you pay in full at sign-up, but it's fine to pay in monthly installments, too. If you're worried that the installment plan may not work for you, just email us and we can work something out.

Do you offer a smaller share?
No. But if you know someone else who's interested in a box, we do have several members who split their box with a friend or coworker, or who alternate delivery weeks.

What if I go out of town and have to miss a box?
Let us know no later than the Sunday before your delivery day, and we'll hold your box and add $36 to your balance. You can spend this balance over time by ordering extras, or you can email us to request a double box for a future date.

What if I don't use all my credits by the end of the season?
Credits do not carry over from one season to the next.

What if I need to cancel my share?
If you're moving out of town or are dissatisfied with your membership for any reason, please let us know as soon as possible. We will issue a refund on a pro-rated basis. 

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I'm worried the CSA isn't right for me.
It might not be! Our CSA is a good fit for those who want to eat well and make fresh, organic vegetables a regular part of their day. CSA members value being connected to a farm and supporting beginning farmers in their community. If you're not a big vegetable eater, don't cook often, or only want a few types of vegetables, then supporting your local farmer's market might be a better fit.

 

How can I contact you with a question?

Email us at tenmothersfarm@gmail.com. We’re always happy to answer questions.