A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is an arrangement between a small farmer and a group of consumers who want fresher, healthier produce. Before the growing season starts each CSA member pays for an entire season (June to November) worth of fresh produce delivered weekly to a central spot in their neighborhood. The share usually includes 5 or 6 types of vegetables that have been harvested less than 24 hours before they reach your table.

A basic vegetable share in 2007 was $300 dollars for 25 weeks of fresh vegetables, plus an administration fee of $25 for the season. The total cost of a basic share is around of $13.00 per week. Since there is no paid CSA staff, if you are unable work any volunteer shifts or help out in other ways, you will also be assessed an administrative fee of $50.

Additional options that were available this previous 2007 season:

• A herb share.
• A fruit share for $104.
• A meat/dairy share is available to anyone, and the orders are delivered once a month, year round.
• A tomato share of 20lbs of red, Italian, and paste tomatoes for sauce/canning. Tomatoes were delivered three weeks in September. Cost of tomatoes was approximately $25 for a 20-pound box.

Full payment or a deposit is due when you join and then you can pay with check, cash, credit card, or a payment plan. If you want to split a share, we suggest that you post your interest in sharing on Astoria's popular online forum, Astorians.com. We are currently collecting the names of people who are interested in the wait list for the 2008 season, please check back in the coming months to find out more information.

The produce is delivered every Tuesday to a local distribution site by the farmer: 22-00 29th Street, 1 block away from the Ditmars stop on the N/W line.

Every Tuesday you must either come to the distribution site to pick up your share of produce, or ask someone to pick up your produce for you. Some members split the cost of one share, and then take turns picking up.

Every member is required to volunteer during the season to help with the setup or the distribution. This means you'll help set up the table, set out the produce, greet the other members as they pick up their shares, then help put away whatever is left over. It's a fun way to meet others in the neighborhood and CSA. Setup is from 12 to 3, and you'll get a chance to meet one of the farmers. Since our distribution runs from 5:30 - 7:30 pm you will be required to come a little early, and stay a little later; remember that we all make the CSA possible!

Are you interested in donating your time to the Hellgate CSA in addition to the required volunteer shift, but are not sure how? Send us an e-mail and we'll let you know what is needed.