What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Originally it began as a way for neighbors to buy a “share” of the neighboring farm at the beginning of the farmer's season. This helped cover the farmer's cost of seed and other inputs that 'farmer-joe' or '-joette' would need to purchase to put the season's crops in the ground. In exchange, the non-farm neighbor (aka share-owner) would receive fresh, seasonal produce from the farm on a regular basis.
Through the years the model has evolved to take on various names and specifics based around each farm and local community's need. Today more than ever, CSA models are experiencing tremendous growth, at unprecedented levels. We all are waking up to understand the importance of food sourcing and safe food systems. A CSA is a perfect way to reconnect with your food source and have greater confidence in the food you're placing in your bodies on a daily basis is indeed grown where and how a label claims it to be. And have confidence in it's as fresh as possible.
How does it work?
Think subscription or membership. You, the consumer, pay a seasonal fee upfront for a portion (whichever size of share you choose) of our farm's upcoming harvest. Once paid, you're considered a member (so-to-speak) of our farm for that period of time. Your paid fee gives you the right to our fresh, vine-ripened, chemical-free produce we harvest.
How does our share program work?
GROWING SEASON
For 2023, our growing season will run for 22 weeks, beginning early June through first of November with start dates determined by a member's location. We split our growing weeks into two seasons: Summer and Fall. Members can sign up to purchase veggies for the Full Season or just for a summer or fall share.
HARVEST SCHEDULE
We harvest biweekly with members receiving their share of our farm-fresh, healthy produce (click to view a list of our 2023 crops) other week.
To view this 2023 season's schedule, click here.
FARM TO FORK or PICKUP
The farm to your fork is what an overwhelmingly majority (98%) of our members choose, opting for home delivery over pickup on the farm. We deliver share boxes and bags to residents within 60 miles of the farm.
Delivery fees are determined by a member's distance from the farm and concentration of members we deliver to within their area. We currently serve residents in Delaware, Franklin, Hardin, Logan, and Union counties. To learn more about delivery costs, contact us here. Pickup at the farm is free.
SIZES
We offer three sizes: The Box (aka LITE BOX), the Sampler Bag, and the Mini-Sampler Bag. What size you choose depends upon your families eating habits and how often you cook at home. If you're unsure about what size to purchase, we suggest purchasing a smaller size option and upgrading to a larger through the season if you find you'd prefer a larger size.
See below for more specifics about our share sizes.
SHARE THE HARVEST
Tillow Acres Farm offers reduced-rates for Sampler and The Box Shares to needy households within our memberships' communities. You can contribute to one of these shares in any amount. For the 2023 season, we would like to make available four share harvests; two Sampler bags and two The Box sizes.
If you or someone you know might qualify for one of these reduced-rate shares, please contact us here.
In 2022 we collected $675 to offer 2 reduced-price shares and one free Fall share for 2 families! A contribution of just a few dollars can go a long way towards helping families in our communities.
FRIEND OF TILLOW ACRES FARM
Our Friend of Tillow Acres Farm share is for members who want to go above and beyond in supporting our farm. Our farm has to be profitable, yet we also want to be good stewards and neighbors in the communities we serve. We offer internships, fund and volunteer for community service projects, and Share the Harvest programs to help those in our communities afford the often too expensive choice of eating fresh, organic produce and food.
If you find value in Tillow Acres' work and harvests, and are in a strong financial position, then Friends of Tillow Acres Farm is for you! You will be helping us ensure our long-term sustainability of Tillow Acres. This is your way to give additional financial support to our farm. Friends of Tillow Acres Farm will not receive the full dollar amount in vegetables, yet do receive a whole of additional love from us!
The Box - our largest size.
$31 p/box
The Box is a 3/4 bushel size and includes 7-11 varieties of veggies, fruits, berries and herbs. This is our largest size and is a good fit for a family of four or two adults who really LOVE veggies, and enjoy cooking at home.
SUMMER SEASON $186
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM SUMMER SEASON $286
Total of 6 boxes, every other week beginning mid-June through end of August 2023.
FALL SEASON $155
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FALL SEASON $255
Total of 5 boxes, every other week beginning first of September through end of October 2023.
FULL SEASON $341
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FULL SEASON $441
Total of 11 boxes, every other week beginning mid-June 2023 through end of October 2023.
Sampler Bag - our medium size.
$26 p/bag
The Sampler is a 12"x12"x8" burlap bag, and offers the same 7-11 varieties of veggies, fruits, berries and herbs as our Box size, though with smaller amounts of each item. (E.g.1-2 cucumbers vs 3-4, 1-2 heirloom tomatoes vs 3-4, etc.)
SUMMER SEASON $156
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM SUMMER SEASON $256
Total of 6 bags, every other week beginning mid-June through end of August 2023.
FALL SEASON $130
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM FALL SEASON $230
Total of 5 bags, every other week beginning first of September through end of October 2023.
FULL SEASON $286
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM FULL SEASON $386
Total of 11 bags, every other week beginning mid-June 2023 through end of October 2023.
Mini Sampler Bag - our smallest size.
$19 p/bag
The Mini-Sampler is the same 12"x12"x8" burlap bag as our Sampler, with smaller amounts: up to 5-9 varieties of veggies, fruit, berries and herbs.
SUMMER SEASON $114
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM SUMMER SEASON $214
Total of 6 bags, every other week beginning mid-June through end of August 2023.
FALL SEASON $95
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM FALL SEASON $195
Total of 5 bags, every other week beginning first of September through end of October 2023.
FULL SEASON $209
FRIENDS OF TILLOW ACRES FARM FULL SEASON $309
Total of 11 bags, every other week beginning mid-June 2023 through end of October 2023.
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Do you deliver or where do I pick-up my Share Box? Yes. We make home deliveries for members within 60 miles of the farm for a fee. We currently serve residents in Delaware, Franklin, Hardin, Logan, and Union Counties. Pick-up is at the farm.
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Can I choose or substitute the produce in my Share box? No. We do not offer Free-Choice shares but instead provide new members the opportunity to complete a 'Preference Sheet' that includes the upcoming seasons' produce items we will offer. Members rank and mark the items according to their households' likes and dislikes and return the sheet back to us before the first week of the SHARE Season. Through the season we do our best to include your more desirable produce in your bag/box.
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Is there a contract for the Season? No. There is no legal contract, however, there is an agreement. Please view our Membership agreement here.
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How do I pay and can I pay by credit card? You'll receive an email with a link to view and pay your invoice along with details on how to make your payment. We ask for 50% down at time of reservation, and the remainder paid by the start of the Season. You can make your payment by cash, check or credit card. We accept all major credit cards. If paying by credit card, a 3.5% service fee will be added to cover our transaction fee costs.
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What if I need to back out, do you issue refunds? We understand things can change. We do issue refunds under our Policy Guidelines you can view here.
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What if I'm going out of town or running late to pick up and can't receive my SHARE box/bag? We understand from time to time these things happen, and we all enjoy time away. We have Pick-up and Delivery Policy for these exact situations and you can view them here.
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Is the produce certified-organic? No. The farm at present is not Certified-Organic. We are in transition and hope to obtain certification in the short-term. Our farming practices and methods pertaining to our pasture and production land follows the standards set by the USDA and the National Organic Standards board.
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Do you grow everything in the FARM SHAREs? No. We plan to grow all the vegetables and herbs on the farm, and purchase fruits and berries from various local farmers we know and trust. We take personal satisfaction and joy in knowing our produce is contributing to the health and eating enjoyment of our Members. All items not grown or raised here on the farm are listed along with the farm/grower as such in our 'In the Kitchen' sheet we distribute in our SHARE boxes/bags.