CSA Membership

Our Community Supported Agriculture Program

     We invite you to become a Member of the Farm through our Community Supported Agriculture program.  2013 Memberships are On Sale Now.  The Sign-Up Form is here (or here in pdf format).

Give the gift of a Farm Membership!  Find out how here.

How It Works:
     Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a partnership between community members, like you, and a local farm.  When you join our CSA program, you pay a “share” of our annual budget up front (in the form of a one-time annual fee) in return for a share of the farm’s seasonal harvests, thereby becoming a member of the farm.  Your membership is an investment in the farm for a full harvest season and gives you access to the best selection of locally-grown, hand-picked produce at our most affordable price, as well as full access to your farmers and participation in farm events.

Farm members receive a weekly supply of fresh, hand-picked vegetables at their peak of flavor, nutrition and eating quality.  The harvest season runs generally from mid-May through October.  A weekly “share” contains from 8 to 12 different vegetables.  One vegetable might be a head of lettuce, a bunch of radishes, 10 tomatoes, or a pound of carrots.  (See What We Grow for a more complete list). We grow up to 60 types of vegetables and select hundreds of the best varieties based on flavor and quality rather than shelf-life and uniformity.


When Is Produce Available?
     We distribute produce for 25 weeks from mid-May through early November.
 

Where, When and How Do I Receive My Share?
You have 2 options:

• Pick-up your vegetables at the farm on Tuesdays or Fridays.  Our farm is at 4625 Seminary Rd. near the intersection of I-255 on the north side of Alton, Illinois.

• Pick up your share from a nearby drop-off spot for an extra fee.

Our delivery areas include the following:

• Tower Grove 
• Webster Groves
  
• University City
  
• Brentwood/Ladue/Richmond Heights
  
• Creve Coeur
  
• Central West End
  
• Kirkwood
  
• Maplewood 
  
• Edwardsville 
  

Would you like to host a drop off location?  If so, you must have safe, easy and quick vehicle access; a shaded and safe space for produce boxes & information display; ability to help organize empty boxes after the pick-up.  Our drop-off site hosts can waive their delivery fee and claim a discount on the full share price.

Benefits Beyond The Food?
    Whether you pick-up at the farm or request deliveries, each member recieves a weekly newsletter and invitation to seasonal farm events & celebrations.
What Share Is Best For Me?
    The Full Share Membership is your best option if you like a lot of seasonal, fresh vegetables or if your household is two or more people.

     If you are a single person, or your family enjoys only occasional fresh vegetables, then the Individual Share is a great option.

     Please give us a call or e-mail if you want to learn more about which option is best for you.
 

How Much Does It Cost?
     A Full Share Membership is $535.
     An Individual Share Membership is $285. 
     For delivery to a centralized drop-off spot, add $25. (This is a one-time fee to cover delivery expenses for the entire season.)
         
How To Join!
     Fill out our Sign-Up Form, send in your full payment or your first installment, and you’re in!

  
What if the Weather is Bad this Year?
     CSA spreads the benefits and risks of agricultural production between the farmer and the members.  This means that if the weather is not so good during a growing season, and harvests are down, the effects are spread among many people, not just the farmer.  This is how CSA keeps small farms like ours going strong through thick and thin.  The upside is that when the weather (and production) is great, then the benefits are spread to you, too!  Remember that your membership is an investment in land, food and relationships that have both immediate and long-lasting impacts.  Plus, you can always count on the fact that your farm-fresh food is free of any synthetic sprays or substances.  It's all-natural!

What If I Go Out of Town During The Season?
    If you go out of town during the season or are unable to pick up your share please make arrangements to pass the bounty on to a neighbor or family member.  If you know ahead of time that you will be gone please call (48 hours advance notice) to let us know, and we can arrange for you to receive your share another time.  Otherwise your share will be left at your drop site or donated.

Current Membership Status
    Farm Memberships for the 2013 season are currently on sale.

Here are links about CSA's, from CSA's around the country:

"What To Expect When You Join A Farm"

"Visitor Day at Ploughshare Farm"

"Community Supported Agriculture"

"What's CSA?  Community Supported Agriculture"

For Questions and Information
    Please contact us at 618-444-0567 any time or e-mail us at membership@riverbendroots.com.  Riverbend Roots Farm is located here.