“CSA” stands for “community supported agriculture,” (or sometimes “community shared agriculture”) and is basically a weekly produce subscription box directly from your local farmer. You pay at the beginning of the season (some farmers offer payment plans) in exchange for a “share” of fresh, seasonal, vegetables from the farm every week. For many, a CSA can replace most grocery needs.
You don’t have to live in the country to avail yourself of this service, it’s right here in New York City and it’s almost time for you to register to receive wonderful, fresh produce from metropolitan area farmers.
Despite this year’s uncharacteristically warm winter, there’s no joy in the fruits and vegetables available in our markets. Better quality and more affordable options for farm-fresh produce are on their way. At this time of year, farmers are finalizing their crop planning, prepping their fields, starting transplants, cold calling restaurants and prospective clients, and getting ready to open their sign-ups for summer CSAs.
The CSA is a relatively simple idea that works well for farmers and consumers. Most farms serving Brooklyn haven’t opened their registration yet, but shares can sell out quickly, so below is a list of CSAs in Brooklyn to help guide you toward your perfect fit.
Most models give you very few options over what you get in your box, others allow you to pick what or how much of something you want from what’s available. Depending on the farm, you might also be able to add-on other products such as eggs, cheese, mushrooms, or butter in your share. Some farms have grain shares, meat and poultry shares, even flower shares!
Here is a sampling of CSAs serving Brooklyn
Bay Ridge CSA, Bay Ridge
Bay Ridge CSA partners with the Lewis Waite Farmer Network, which comprises over 60 small growers and farmers from across New York State and Vermont.
Pick up: Fourth Avenue Presbyterian Church, 6753 4th Avenue Bay Ridge, every Saturday.
Cost: Last season, the price for this CSA was $660 for 22 weeks. There was also an option for bi-weekly pick ups, priced at $350.
Brooklyn Beet CSA, Downtown Brooklyn
Brooklyn Beet CSA also partners with several local growers, including Angel Family Farms and Wilklow Orchards, and is fully volunteer run, meaning all participants must also sign up for two volunteer shifts per season.
Pick up: YWCA Brooklyn, 30 Third Ave. Tuesdays, between 6-8 pm.
Cost: Full share: $530 for 18 weeks. Half share: $273 for 9 weeks.
Brooklyn Bridge CSA, Brooklyn Heights
Formed out of the Jewish environmental movement, Brooklyn Bridge CSA is now part of Just Food’s network, which coordinates CSAs across the Northeast.
Pick up: First Presbyterian Church, 124 Henry St, Wednesday evenings.
Cost: $829 for a full share and $424 for a half share.
Brooklyn Grange, Brooklyn Navy Yard and Sunset Park
A rooftop garden established in 2010, this farm has the distinction of being the only one on this list actually located in Brooklyn. Make sure you pop by for a visit and check out their events and educational programming.
Pick up: Brooklyn Grange, Brooklyn Navy Yard or Brooklyn Grange, Sunset Park.
Cost: Based on an equitable model, prices range from $484-$805.
607 CSA, Multiple Locations
607 CSA run by the Catskills Agrarian Alliance, an organization dedicated to food sovereignty and food justice.
Pick up: Several locations throughout Brooklyn.
Cost: Prices to be announced when registration opens.
If you live near Sunset Park or Prospect Park, also check out Prospect Heights CSA, Prospect Park CSA, Prospect Lefferts Garden CSA, and Sunset Park CSA. All are volunteer run, with equitable pricing models, and several pick up locations.
CSAs are an excellent option for busy students or young professionals stuck in the city for the summer and trying to eat healthy. They also provide excellent motivation to hone your seasonal cooking skills. Get some inspiration from a new cookbook, or ask your farmer how they prepare different veggies
There are a lot of different reasons why one CSA might appeal versus another — but that is the good news, there are options,
As the days get longer, it doesn’t hurt to plan ahead for the summer, and the juicy, sweet goodness of farm-fresh tomatoes, leafy greens, and berries.
