CSA Frequently Asked Questions

 

Who would make a good CSA member?

            Someone who…

            -enjoys fresh, local, organic produce.

            -understands the risks of organic farming and is willing to take a risk themselves as a consumer.

            -wants to nurture a community spirit in appreciation and involvement with sustainable agriculture,

              wildlands and good living.

            -has the time to cook and likes cooking and preparing meals or dishes from scratch.
            -is willing to experiment with new ingredients and recipes.
            -is okay with occasionally getting something in your box of which you aren't particularly fond.
            -has a schedule that permits you to regularly make the drop-off time and location

            -eagerly wants to support the vision of Blue House Farm

 

What will you get?

You will receive one box of produce filled with a share of the current week's harvest. We grow the highest quality, organically grown crops possible and make every effort to pick, pack, and deliver your produce as fresh as possible. Most crops are picked that same morning. We try to always include salad mix (and/or lettuce), garlic, and onions in every box. We grow large diversity of standard vegetables and a number of different heirloom varieties. Occasionally, there will be gaps in the harvest and possible complete crop failures, but you will always receive a full box. Each week you will receive a newsletter. See last years newsletters to get an idea of what will be included in boxes from week to week. Go to newsletters.

 

What if a box sounds like too much food?

You can split a box with a friend and alternate picking up the box. Please let us know if you will be doing this. We will need one of you to be the contact person.

 

Is there a trial period so I can sample a box for a week?

No, we do not offer trial boxes. We ask for your commitment for the entire season.

 

What if I can't pick up my box some weeks?

You can call us before your pick-up day and ask us not to pack you a box. Or have a friend pick it up for you (no need to contact us.) If we pack you a box and it is not picked up, it will be donated at the discretion of the drop-off site host.

 

Can I request additional vegetables in my box some weeks?

No, we pack all the boxes the same. But… each weekend from May through November we sell our produce at Pie Ranch Farm Stand, located on Hwy 1, just north of Ano Nuevo. If you would like to purchase more than what is in your box, please purchase it there.

 

Can I sign-up for one of your add-on options with out being a CSA member?

No, you must be a Blue House Farm CSA member to be eligible for flower bouquet, eggs, and goat cheese options.

 

What kinds of flowers are included in a Flower Bouquet option?

We grow over 20 types of flowers on the farm, ranging from larkspur, stocks, snapdragons, and bachelor buttons in the spring to zinnias, sunflowers, and dahlias in the fall. We create beautiful arrangements that will change through the seasons as flowers develop into bloom. 

 

Are flowers available if I am not a flower member?

Yes, we sell flower bouquets at the Pie Ranch Farm Stand on the weekends.

 

Do you ever have "extras"?

When we have extra leftover vegetables from the harvest, we keep it in the barn with a donation jar for people to help themselves. We only do this for CSA members who pick up at the farm.

 

Are there any discounts?

We will offer a limited number of work trades. If you think you have a skill set that would be helpful to the farm (ex: webpage design, welding, building, general field labor, etc…), contact us and we may be able to arrange a trade.

 

What are my payment options?

We only have one payment option for those who find it challenging to pay in full up front. Half of your payment may be made at time of becoming a member and the remaining amount may be included on a post-dated check for May 1, 2008. We will not cash the check until early May. No payment options are available for goat cheese and egg add-ons, these need to be paid in full.

 

What is the CSA Assistance Program?

The CSA Assistance Program is a new pilot program which will make Blue House Farm CSA memberships available to low-income families at a reduced rate. This year, Blue House Farm will partner with Puente de la Costa Sur to connect with families who have limited access to fresh, sustainably grown produce. Puente de la Costa Sur is a nonprofit organization located in Pescadero, CA which provides support services, such as food assistance services, to recent immigrants. Blue House Farm is generating money to subsidize memberships for low-income families through individual donations from our CSA members and supporters. All donatations will go directly into an Assistance Fund to support families in-need. For questions regarding the new CSA Assistance Program please contact Katie Hannon at katie.hannon@sbcglobal.net or by phone at 510-367-5572.

 

How can I donate to sponsor a family in-need?

We accept donations in any amount to support the CSA Assistance Program. You may include a donation with your CSA membership fee by checking the donation box on your sign-up form. You may also donate by sending a check to Blue House Farm, 2601 Cloverdale Road, Pescadero, CA 94060 with a memo stating “Assistance Fund.”

 

Can I come out to visit the farm?

Yes!!! We are a community farm and we want to have people involved. Saturdays are community volunteer days. In the mornings we invite you to help us out with the harvest, cleaning, and packing of the veggies. In the afternoon we do various field work. We have a communal potluck lunch around noon. If you would just like to come visit and see the farm, that's alright, but be aware that this is a working farm and we might not have too much time to just "hang out." Please notify us before hand if you want to visit. If Saturdays are not good for you, but you still want to come out to help, just contact us, there are on-going projects and field work other days of the week.