What’s a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are partnerships between an individual farm and a community of supporters, providing a direct link between the production and consumption of food. CSA members make a commitment to support the farm throughout the season, and assume the risks and bounty of growing food along with the farmer or grower. For example, last year CSA members might have lamented the dismal tomato crop, but this year they were rewarded with an abundant diversity of excellent tomatoes as the state celebrated one of the best crops in recent memory.

Each CSA farm offers shares to the public for a fixed fee before the season begins. CSA members register and pay, then pick up their weekly, biweekly or monthly shares at a pre-determined location on a set date and time, or in some instances home delivery is provided. Some CSAs have a volunteer obligation where each registered family is required to either set up or break down one week’s pick up. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your CSA community members and swap recipes and other cooking ideas.

Spring/Summer 2011 CSAs (being updated for 2012)

Organic CSAs:

• Sport Hill Farm, Easton (open, Crop Cash program also available, deadline 2/29/12)

• Garden of Ideas, Ridgefield (wait list open to new subscribers)

• Stoneledge Farm, (open, Hudson Valley, NY farm drops in Stamford, Wilton/Norwalk, and Southport)
  
• The Hickories, Ridgefield (open!)
• Simpaug Farms, (serving Ridgefield via Practically Green) (open)
• Farm Share (offering home delivery in Greenwich and Stamford)
  

Sustainable Family Farm CSAs:

• Clatter Valley Farm, New Milford (open)

• Dragongoose Farm, Redding (Note: As of April 18, 2011, this CSA is full and closed.)

• Gazy Brothers Farm, Oxford (serving Fairfield County) open
  
• Stone Gardens Farm, Shelton (serving Westport and Fairfield) wait list
  

Multi Farm CSAs:

• BR Farmstand,(serving Black Rock and Fairfield)

Meat CSAs:

Laurel Ridge Farm: 100% grass fed beef CSA.

Saugatuck Craft Butchery: Whole animal CSAs (fully broken down). Due to the ever-changing nature of their offerings, we recommend you inquire directly by phone at 203.226.6328.

Fall 2012 TBA

Winter 2011 CSA + CSK (This has sold out!)

Winter CSAs in Connecticut are rather uncommon, principally because most farms don’t produce enough to complete a share. Urban Oaks Farm, a 4-season organic farm in urban New Britain, Conn,. has teamed up with neighboring produce and fruit farmers to offer a 10-week winter CSA bursting with root vegetables, winter greens, and late fall fruit including apples and pears. Although Urban Oaks (UOF) grows some citrus fruit in their greenhouses, demand always outstrips supply. UOF completes shares by sourcing from trusted organic citrus growers. This CSA is available for pick up at GreenGourmetToGo. Full details are available here. Deadline for ordering is January 17.

GreenGourmettoGo’s CSK (Community Supported Kitchen).

Linda Soper-Kolton, chef/owner of Green Gourmet to Go, on a never-ending quest to support healthy eating, will turn your weekly Urban Oaks Farm Winter CSA box into ready-to-serve organic, vegetarian family meals. Weekly CSK shares will include vegetarian main dishes, soups, desserts, and treats chosen from a weekly menu. Full details are available here. Deadline for ordering is January 17.