Upper Meadows Farm

UPPER MEADOWS FARM CSA

The Upper Meadows Farm Community Supported Agriculture [CSA] is a partnership between a community of people, which we invite you to join, who are committed to taking on the responsibility of supporting a farm, in this case Upper Meadows Farm. Upper Meadows Farm CSA works locally in NJ and in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of NYC. Members purchase a subscription 'share' in advance of the upcoming season's harvest. Shares in the harvest are available for purchase generally from November 1st until the second week of June. This early payment enables farmer Len to cover his year round operating costs and in return, the farm provides a healthy supply of seasonal, fresh, certified organic produce throughout the growing season. Together, farmer Len and the members of the CSA community recognize the variability of living systems and acknowledge that some crops will be very abundant and other crops may fail. Distribution runs from June through October, for a total of 22 weeks. Shares consist of vegetables that are ripe and ready for picking each week from among the over 100 varieties we plant as well as fruit when in season. Family, Half and Individual shares are available. Shares may be supplemented with other farm products such as herb vinegars, flowers, eggs, honey, maple syrup, or the like. In recognition of members support, Upper Meadows Farm offers all of it's products at reduced prices for current CSA members.

Our "Community" is growing and spread out in what is generally identified as the New York Metropolitan Region. For efficiency we offer several distribution locations:

one located at Upper Meadows Farm in Montague NJ[serving members who live in Pike & Wayne Counties in Pa., Sussex County in NJ, and Orange County in NY],

one serving the Hells' Kitchen/Clinton neighborhood [Manhattan NYC, Hudson County NJ] in NYC,

one located in Verona in Essex County, NJ [serving members in Essex County, Eastern Morris County and Passaic County],

one location hosted by Ashley Farm in Flanders,NJ [serving Morris County, Southern Sussex County,and Warren County],

and one located in the Lake Mohawk section of Sparta, NJ [serving Morris County, northern Passaic County and Southern Sussex County.

We are joined together in our commitment to eating good, fresh food, and in the desire to connect, or reconnect, to our food, the earth, the seasons, and the farmers who we entrust to nourish us. We are a growing community, organized by Len Pollara and a volunteer group of people who are interested in cultivating and growing this relationship. We are networking with Just Food, a NYC based non-profit organization that promotes economic, environmental, and social justice through local sustainable food systems. We value your ideas, input, vision and commitment. We have committed to participate in our CSA and through our nurture help it flourish and grow.

WHAT IS A CSA??

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a simple idea: A community supports a farm and in return, the farm supports that community. It is a creative response to growing problems in this country and around the world, involving agriculture and our food supply, where we are increasingly separated from the source of our food. CSA connects local farmers with local eaters in a partnership of mutual commitment and provides a direct link between the production, preparation and consumption of food. It is about "putting the farmer's face on food" and putting the "culture" back into agriculture. Becoming a member of a CSA creates a responsible relationship between people and the food we eat, also the land on which it is grown, and with those who grow it. Members know the farmer, who, with the security of this committed market, is given the opportunity to care for the land in the best way possible, and to cultivate and grow food on it to nourish people he has come to know. If you would like more information about CSA, the ATTRA information service may be a good place to begin.

WHAT IS THE CORE GROUP??

Each CSA is different and that is important to the strength of the CSA movement in USA! Upper Meadows Farm CSA began with a recognition by Leonard that it is much more meaningful to grow food for people we know than simply to sell to some distributor or wholesale outlet where you never know if the food is appreciated or thrown out. The efficiencies in CSA as well as the reduction of waste materials from packaging are significant even for a small group. In 2001 circumstances permitted the beginning of UMF CSA. Leonard and Anya did all of the work and the members [9folks that first year] participated primarily by purchasing shares although some members helped in various areas. Looking to other CSA's in an effort to better learn how to improve UMF CSA it was soon obvious that a Core Group should be formed. Very often, CSA's begin with a community group that is looking for a farmer to produce food for them and they have an organizational structure already in place. This is a self identified, self governing group of like minded people working together to find the best food and also to support farming and farmers and to 'put a face on the food they buy'. In the case of UMF CSA the farmer, Leonard, started the CSA and is working to help empower and develop a Core Group to assume the role of self determination and to help with the administrative aspects of the CSA as well as establishing an organizational structure for the members. At present, our Core Group is evolving and seeking to coalesce in a more well defined framework. Active 'Core' members from each distribution location provide a local presence for other members in the distribution group and that emphasizes the person to person interaction vital to a healthy community. Ideally we will have three to five members from each distribution location who will meet both within their distribution areas as well as all Core Group members meeting one to four times a year to discuss issues vital to the overall health of our regional food community served by Upper Meadows Farm CSA. During the growing season each local Core Group committee for each distribution location would meet as needed based upon the decision of those members. Please consider what the opportunity to participate actively in your food community by volunteering to be a member of the Core Group means to you. WE encourage you to send comments, questions, or suggestions to

email: coregroup@uppermeadowsfarm.com

WHAT VEGETABLE IS THAT?? & HOW DO YOU COOK IT??

Throughout the distribution season we offer recipe suggestions to help you explore the wonderful possibilities that cooking your own food provides. You may not have ever eaten or tried some of the vegetables that we grow and we find often enough that these become 'favorites' of many folks. We offer cooking lessons periodically, to coincide with vegetable availability, during the growing season. We would love to have more help managing the recipes and hope you'll let us know if you are interested. We encourage everyone to add your favorites to the collection. If you have questions, suggestions, or recipes to share please send these to:

recipes@uppermeadowsfarm.com

CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE SHARES??

The share content will vary with the season. The season runs for 22 weeks, from the first week in June to the last week in October. Each weeks' share will consist of five or more types of vegetables. Shares will be lighter in the spring and consist of more greens and herbs. As the season progresses, the share will increase in volume and variety. We offer three different share options: Family Share, Half Share and Individual Share.

NOTE: I have found that there is a great disparity in what folks consider "average" as regards vegetables. Many more people today eat much less in vegetables and so what we are finding is that share sizes are received very differently from individual to individual. In the same season with the same share I hear some people exclaim that they are not coming close to eating all of the vegetables in a weekly share and others who are running out of vegetables before the next distribution. So to better help you understand what our shares are likely to consist of, please review the CSA Distribution History pages linked on the left menu at our home page, that list the vegetable varieties and the weekly distributions in past years per Family share. Even so, this will only give a general idea about the shares. Weight is not the best determination for share size. Consider, two pounds of potatoes is not equal to two pounds of greens, is not equal to two pounds of squash in terms of how much you eat in an average meal, nutritional value, and what space that takes up. Also, you will be able to more clearly see that each year is a different composite of vegetables. That is due to the impact of various factors such as weather, wildlife damage, seed and set availability, among other variables that make each year's share somewhat unique.

Also, since we are growing the food to be eaten, if you need more in your share please let us know because there is always someone who prefers less. It all balances in the aggregate.

FAMILY SHARE-designed to meet 2/3 to 3/4 of the vegetable needs of a family of four for a week. This size is good for a family of 2 adults and 2children, or a couple who eats alot of vegetables. We have members who juice their vegetables for whom a family share is more desirable.

HALF SHARE-Exactly one half of the material available in a family share. Half shares consist of 11 Family share pick-ups generally on alternating weeks throughout the season. This is a great size to purchase if you travel often during the summer. We will work with you to schedule your pick-ups. We also find that some folks just don't want to need to make a pick up every week. Half Shares seem to work well for them.

INDIVIDUAL SHARES-Designed for an individual who likes vegetables, or a couple who don't cook alot at home who want fresh vegetables every week. This share gives you a choice so that when there are 5 or 6 items in the Family Share the Individual shareholder selects 4. When there are 7 or 8 items in the Family Share the Individual shareholder selects 5. When there are 9 or more items in the Family Share the Individual shareholder selects 6.

HOW MUCH DOES A SHARE COST??

Share prices for 2008:

$530 Family

$350Individual

$350Half

A $100 deposit will reserve your share.\

Early bird* discounts are as follows:

$50 discount with payment in full by or before November 30.

$25 discount with payment in full by January 31.

All memberships purchased after January 1, 2008 will require the full amount (no discount). New subscriptions are available on a first come, first served basis.

*Please Note: Credit card orders made through Local Harvest.org are not eligible for discounts due to the additional processing fee we pay for the service. Early orders are preferred and greatly appreciated!

If you have questions please feel free to ask your distribution coordinator or contact the farm.

!!!We are happy to accommodate Members who need to make unique financial arrangements. Please contact us early. Let us know what your needs are and we'll be glad to work with you on an individual basis !!!

Food Stamp authorization for NJ and NY is available; please ask if you are interested in this payment option.

 DISTRIBUTION DETAILS:

Distribution begins the first full week in June and continues for 22 weeks through the last week in October. Your shares are custom harvested as close to the distribution time as is physically possible so that you can enjoy the freshest food available.

We do not place large quantities of material in cold storage and then portion it out. Everything is FRESH! This is why we need to maintain active communication with all members. Please review the sections of the Agreement and Introduction pages that refer to distribution.

IN NEW JERSEY
UPPER MEADOWS FARM
The distribution on farm will be on Thursdays, beginning June 5, 2008 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.

ASHLEY FARM
Distribution will be on Thursdays, beginning June 5, 2008 and will be from 4pm to 7pm.

IN NYC in the HELL'S KITCHEN NEIGHBORHOOD
Distribution is scheduled at W43rd St between 9th and 10th Avenues on Saturday morning from 10:30am to 12:30pm. Distribution will begin June 7 2008.

IN NEW JERSEY
Verona   (formerly Pleasantdale)
The 2008 Essex County distribution site has moved to the PARKING LOT   of the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit located at 36 Gould Street, Verona NJ 07044
Distribution will be on Sundays from 12:30 pm to 1:30pm. Distribution begins on June 8, 2008.

Sparta
Located at 205 Springbrook Trail in the Lake Mohawk section of Sparta NJ, this will be the third year of distribution at this location. Distribution begins at 2:30pm on Sunday June 8 2008.

Please confirm distribution details with your local distribution coordinator!

Coordinator_NYC_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_Essex_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_Ashleyfarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_OnFarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

HOW DO I JOIN THE CSA??

Please read the CSA Agreement Terms [View CSA AgreementTerms] in their entirety. To join you must then read, complete, sign and submit the CSA Agreement [View/Print CSA Agreement ]

To Pay by Check Print the CSA Agreement and complete as requested above, include your check made out to Upper Meadows Farm CSA and send to:

Upper Meadows Farm, 12Pollara Lane, Montague, NJ 07827

To Pay By Credit Card use this link to go to our listing at LocalHarvest.org and order your subscription through their on line store. To complete your registration please read the CSA Agreement Terms [View CSA AgreementTerms] in their entirety. To join you must then read, complete, sign and submit the CSA Agreement [View/Print CSA Agreement ] and mail the completed form to:

Upper Meadows Farm, 12 Pollara Lane, Montague, NJ 07827


To reserve your share you can send an e-mail to:

leonard@uppermeadowsfarm.com

E-mail registration will be confirmed when your deposit or payment arrives.

Joining through Local Harvest, your share is reserved when we receive notice of billing from Local Harvest.

In all other cases, your signed application and payment/deposit will reserve your share.

OTHER PAYMENT OPTIONS:

!!!We are happy to accommodate Members who need to make unique financial arrangements. Please contact us early. Let us know what your needs are and we'll be glad to work with you on an individual basis !!!

About the 4 hours I need to Volunteer

A strong commitment to community is vital to sustainability. There are other CSA groups that do not require any volunteer time of their members. I believe that is a choice that results in less of a connection with the land and people that grow the food.

The origin of CSA was in Japan during the mid-1960s and is known as Teikei. Literally, 'putting the farmers face on the food'. The two models of CSA in the USA today are a 'shareholder' model and a 'subscription' model. The shareholder model is consumer driven with the 'core group' organizing members and hiring a farmer. The subscription model is farmer driven with the farmer organizing the group and making the majority of the decisions. Upper Meadows Farm CSA is a combination of both.

Len began the CSA which certainly follows the subscription model but has worked diligently to empower the members to take possession of their roles and participate in the decision making process.  One way to make this transition is to involve members directly. Requiring that members commit to volunteer time has proven a very successful path for members to become more involved in the production of their food earlier on in the process. This does not mean that members all must trek to the farm and work in the field although we strongly urge members to visit the farm to see where their food is grown. Farming for a CSA is a very complex system that involves all of the demands of a small business and those of a farm as well as the rigors of contending with the variability of nature in addition to addressing the very human aspects of providing nutritious healthful food for people. We encourage members to participate at any and all stages of the process especially where they feel the most valuable.  4 Hours per share for the entire season is really a token obligation. The practical reality is that we have members who donate as much as 20 hours per week and others who find ways to avoid meeting their commitment. Within this full spectrum of involvement we have found that once members do their volunteer time the vast majority are more engaged and interested in doing more. The social and food values of our CSA then become more precious as each member evolves a stronger commitment to community. That 'food centered' community then becomes a more valuable part of members CSA experience.  Volunteering has included working on farm, helping at distribution, information management, record keeping, promoting the CSA, representing the group at conferences and meetings, advocating for CSA and organic agriculture, as well as other activities that enhance and strengthen community. Finally, one of the most valuable aspects of the volunteer experience is working towards a common goal with a group of like minded individuals and sharing the richness of the experience from an exciting event to an exciting taste.

UMF CSA Revolving Loan Fund

Upper Meadows Farm CSA has been operating since 2001. It has always been a concern of mine that the food that I grow, all certified organic, is not just some exclusive item but is available to all folks at all socio-economic levels. Put shortly; I believe that poor people have a right to good food also. So, to better realize that, I have allowed members to make payments over time. This is contrary to the financial model of CSA in that usually, people pay up front so that I can work with a budget and more efficiently apply those funds to the farm, thus making the money go further. In 2006, the Hell's Kitchen distribution group had a chance to apply for grant funds from the 'Citizens for Better New York Neighborhoods'. We applied and were granted $600 for seed money. The idea is; anyone who wants to join but needs to make payments can apply to the fund. The money is simply dispensed on an as needed basis, first come first served. Participants then complete a contract with the CSA for repayment, stating their own schedule and terms of repayment. Once the contract is signed, the farm is dispensed a check for the full share cost minus the administrative expense of 10% of the share value. The member then pays the fund back according to their contract. The administrative cost, 10% of the share value, is the minimum deposit necessary to join. There is no interest nor other cost to participate in the Revolving Loan Fund program .

My hope is that members who choose to and can, donate to this fund. This is a case where every penny counts. Together we can increase the impact of our socially responsible CSA by practicing this act of inclusion. At present the bank we are using has changed their policy and we need a minimum of $1000 to remain in the account to prevent the charging of fees to our account.  Please help us grow in this way.

For any inquires feel free to click on the appropriate link below and your questions will be answered.

Coordinator_NYC_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_Essex_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_Ashleyfarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_OnFarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

MEMBER MEETINGS

Member meetings are held in the off season to acquaint people with our CSA.  We hold regular meetings in Manhattan, on farm, at Ashley Farm and in West Orange. Member meetings generally begin in February.

HELL'S KITCHEN NY
Meetings are held at the Hartley House located at 413 West 46th St. between Ninth and Tenth Avenues, beginning at 7pm


ASHLEY FARM, Morris County, NJ
Meetings are at Ashley Farm located at 25 Hillside Ave in Flanders NJ

On Farm at UPPER MEADOWS FARM
Sussex County, NJ, Pike County Pa, Orange County NY
Located at 12 Pollara Lane, Montague, NJ
Directions to the farm can be found on the Web Site HOME PAGE.

Verona Essex County, NJ

Meetings are at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Spirit located at 36 Gould St. one block off Bloomfield Ave in the community room.

Sparta Southern Sussex County, Morris County, Northwest Passaic County

Please call or e-mail for directions.

For more information feel free to call the farm or e-mail:

Coordinator_NYC_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_Essex_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_OnFarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com

Coordinator_AshleyFarm_UMF_CSA@uppermeadowsfarm.com