More reasons to join the Snead’s Farm CSA

Every year, it’s our goal to make sure our CSA members feel like they get the better end of the deal. Here is a summary of the benefits we’re rolling out for our 2014 members. To join, click here.

• In addition to the weekly produce box, members this year will get 20% off on all items at the roadside stand on CSA pickup days only (Wednesdays) while supplies last that day.
• We gave out, on average, more than 19 items in each weekly CSA box in 2013.
• We distributed 47 different farm product items through our CSA in 2013.
• We plan to offer the following pick-your-own opportunities exclusively to our CSA members:
  • pick-your-own raspberries (in addition to pre-picked raspberries in the CSA box) starting sometime in June (depending on weather and crop) and continuing into August.
  • pick-your-own blackberries (in addition to pre-picked blackberries in the CSA box) starting in July and continuing into August (depending on weather and crop).
  • pick-your-own table grapes starting in August (depending on weather and crop).
  • pick-your-own sunflowers in July.
  • pick-your-own strawberries at Braehead Farm starting sometime in May (depending on weather and crop).
• Get a jump on berry season as soon as the CSA starts! We’re giving out one jar of seedless raspberry jam made with Snead’s Farm berries for each share on the first pickup day.

Should you join a CSA?

A box from strawberry season…Yum!

Snead’s Farm CSA is currently taking members for the 2014 season, which will start Wednesday, May 7. If your family has resolved to eat more vegetables, or to eat a more locally based diet in 2014, our CSA is a fun way to make that happen, and to become part of the rewarding community that has grown around the Snead’s Farm CSA.

For all of the ins and outs of our CSA, along with an application and instructions for joining, please click here. 

CSA members pay an up-front fee that entitles them to a “share” of the produce of the farm for that year. While the up-front sum can look large at first, it’s important to consider what you get for your money. Here are the numbers for the 2013 season:

Cost of 2013 CSA: $770 

Value of goods distributed: $1,330 (not including four weeks of pick-your-own raspberries and grapes in September, plus additional opportunities to pick produce at Braehead Farm)

We are currently preparing to make 2014 our best CSA year ever.

If you want to know what kinds of produce to expect, look at the “topics” list to the right of this blog post. Click on any one of those items for recipes and ideas shared via our CSA blog. This blog will post before every weekly pickup. Fredericksburg journalist Emily Freehling will offer recipes, preservation tips and other ideas for making the most of your CSA in your kitchen. Our goal is to send you home with a box and all the tools you need to put delicious, wholesome, satisfying food on your family table.

The unquantifiable value of joining this CSA is in becoming part of a growing community. Every Wednesday, the farm is abuzz with families and children. Many members bring picnics and make a day of it. These families all get to know a little bit more about where their food comes from. They can watch the various fields mature and change as the season goes on, and they can get to know the dogs, horses, llamas, chickens and other animals that inhabit the farm, not to mention enjoy the playhouse, swings and other amenities. As supplies allow, we plan to offer opportunities to pick your own berries, sunflowers and grapes.

Take a look at our application here, and make sure you understand how pickup works and what our policies are. Now is the time to sign up for a memorable and tasty 2014 growing season.