The deadlines are rapidly approaching for folks to sign up for Northeast Philadelphia’s only Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative organic produce pick-up location. From May through October, participants will be able to pick up fresh organic vegetables, fruits and other farm products weekly at the Glen Foerd estate, 5001 Grant Ave.
Those wishing to sign up by mail must submit the form by April 18. Online sign-ups conclude April 25 and are available at www.lancasterfarmfresh.com
Lancaster Farm Fresh is a community supported agriculture (CSA) organization. Each week during the growing season, the CSA will deliver shares of the harvest in bulk to Glen Foerd for distribution to co-op members. Participants must pay in advance to support the farmers’ investment. Weekly shares are harvested 24 to 48 hours before each delivery.
One full vegetable share costs $725 for 25 weekly deliveries of nine to 12 items, which works out to $29 a week. Half-shares are also available for $475 ($19 per week) and provide four to seven vegetables per week. Another option is to find a friend and split the cost. Shareholders are encouraged to pay in full up front, but a plan with three scheduled payments is also available.
In addition to vegetables, fruits, flowers and dairy products are available. The money collected from participants supports farmers’ living wages and operational costs. In return, the community benefits from fresh, nutritious, quality produce at an affordable price. Members also have the opportunity to visit co-op farms for “potluck” events, while the co-op offers cooking and preserving workshops.
Those who are interested in the CSA, but may not be able to afford to pay, may be eligible for need-based subsidies. Applications are available by email requests sent to csa@lancasterfarmfresh.com.
Lancaster Farm Fresh is a nonprofit cooperative of 75 organic farmers in Lancaster County. The farmers focus on growing healthy, high-quality foods from highly maintained and enriched soils on small-scale family farms. For information, call Glen Foerd at 215–632–5330 or visit the Lancaster Farm Fresh website. ••
