Frequently Asked Questions: What is a CSA?
We offer both a half share and a full size shares. Shares are priced on a sliding scale where members choose the price best suited for themselves based on family size and income. Please visit the “become a member” page for more information and a price list. What is a sliding scale?
There are three prices for either a half share or a whole share. Each household determines the price that works for them according to income etc. There is no difference in the quantity (other than half & full). The sliding scale exists for affordability. It is part of the farm’s mission to make food available to all. To learn more about the sliding scale concept, please click here.
What types of payment do you accept?
Cash, checks, HIP/SNAP
What size is a half or full vegetable share?
Each week you will be provided with an assortment of vegetables. The size of the share will fluctuate depending on the time of season and the success of individual crop planting. To see pictures of the weekly Full Share from 2020 please click here
Are there required member work hours at the farm?
Yes! All members are asked to fulfill work hours on the farm. The time spent at the farm not only allows the members to understand the workings of the farm but to get to know Amanda (the owner & Lead farmer) & other members. It creates the space for connection and understanding of where your food is coming from.
Amanda easily works with members to find the right kind of task for each person. Physical limitations are always taken into account and if members do not want to work on the farm there are other opportunities such as helping out at one of the markets, photography work may be possible, helping on Wednesdays to get the food ready for member pick up…. etc.
We do have an option to pay out of the required work hours. Work hours are based on a living wage of $15 an hour. Therefore, a full share requirement of 10 hours is equal to $150 and a half share of 5 hours is equivalent to $75 Is Cotyledon Farm’s produce organic?
Yes, but we are not certified. We go above and beyond what is now considered organic. I use only Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) certified soil amendments and fertilizers, fish fertilizer that is analyzed and guaranteed to have no heavy metals, and simple products like neem oil, hydrogen peroxide, castille soap that I would put on my body-can also be used to protect plants from pests when used responsibly. Do you accept EBT/SNAP/HIP?
Yes. Please arrange this independently, and split your share’s items either at home, or away from the pick up tables so other members may pick up their shares easily. Is share distribution ever cancelled due to weather?
We have only postponed a pick-up once in the nine years of running a CSA. In the event of severe wheather or other extenuating circumstances, I will notify the membership by text and e-mail with details about the alternative pick-up plan. What if I’m late to the pick-up site? What happens to my share if I forget to pick it up?
If you have forgotten to pick up your food will be donated or re-allocated. I recommend setting an alarm on your phone for pick up day so this does not happen. We do not have the storage capacity to save your share, and will only do so upon request. We respectfully request that that you exhaust all alternative options before making this request. What happens if the pick-up is on a holiday?
There are no calendar holidays falling on pick up Wednesdays during the 2022 season What happens to my share if I go on vacation?
You are encouraged to have a friend or relative pick up your share the week you are unavailable or you may have us donate your share. Please let us know before the pick up day if you cannot find someone to pick up for you. Can CSA shareholders pick their own vegetables?
There are a few items that we leave in the fields for you to Pick Your Own (PYO). These items will be posted on the board when they area available. These items may include: husk cherries, tomatillos, grape leaves, and nasturtiums (spicy edible flowers) Do I get fruit in my share?
The items we grow that are generally considered fruits are: tomatillos, husk cherries, and tomatoes. (Fun Fact: eggplants are a fruit and botanically considered a berry!) We occasionally have melons. If you are really into fruit, we recommend registering for the fruit share. What is grown on the farm?
Please click here to see our harvest chart for an idea of what kinds of vegetables we grow, as well as when they are roughly harvested What kind of vegetables will I get each week?
Availability and variety will vary from year to year. See the weekly 2020 photographs of a full share to get an idea her
- Can another person pick up my share?
Yes! Make sure the members’ name gets checked off the check list when you arrive. There is no need to notify us that you are having a friend pick up. Please be sure that they arrive on time to avoid confusion. Some members have chosen to independently organize a collective pick up so that they have a rotation of who picks up for everyone that week. Is there a pick up location in Worcester?
Yes! an additional $25 fee is required for this option Are there any other benefits to being a member of Cotyledon Farm’s CSA?
Cotyledon Farm strives to bring community as well as fresh organic produce into your life. We host a few gatherings June through October. Please check the calendar frequently to see updates. Farm members and work shares are a wealth of knowledge, resources and connections. The more time you spend on the farm, the more immersed in the community and its offerings you will become! We also offer a discount to members on our own eggs, and offer early registration for the previous years members to enroll in the CSA before enrollment is open to the public. Can I work for my vegetables?
We do have a limited number of work shares. Please fill out an application and we will get back to you asap. Please note that the work shares fill up quickly and require committed, consistent work hours throughout the growing season. You may read more about the work share commitment here. We respectfully request that potential applicants to consider this as a part-time job with all of the same courtesies given as you would with an employer.
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Cotyledon Vegetable Farm 