UPPER MEADOWS FARM
COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE
UPPER
MEADOWS FARM CSA
Due to financial hardship Upper Meadows Farm CSA is unable to continue in it's present format. Thank you in advance for your patience while we determine what course will allow us to move forward.
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING MEMBERS AT THIS TIME.
ESPECIALLY, Thank you to all members who have participated over the past 9 years!
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.
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 FOUR different share options: Family Share, Half Share and Individual
Share are the basic shares.
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-we endeavor to meet 2/3 to 3/4 of the vegetable needs
of a family of four each week. Seasonality has a direct impact on meeting
this goal as well as each families vegetable consumption. In general,
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 families are unable to commit to making 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 2009:
$595 Family
$425 Individual
$425 Half
A $100 deposit will reserve your share.
Early bird* Bonuses are as follows:
For all memberships (renewal or new) who pay in full during the month of November Upper Meadows Farm will provide $50 worth of coupons good towards the purchase of any and all farm products.
For all memberships (renewal or new) who pay in full during the month of December Upper Meadows Farm will provide $25 worth of coupons good towards the purchase of any and all farm products.
All memberships purchased after January 1, 2009 will require the full amount.
*Please Note: Credit card orders made through Local Harvest.org are not eligible for Early bird Bonuses 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 4, 2009
from 4:00pm to 7:00pm.
ASHLEY
FARM
Distribution will be on Thursdays, beginning June 4, 2009 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 6 2009.
IN NEW JERSEY
Verona
(formerly
Pleasantdale)
The 2009 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 7, 2009.
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 7 2009.
Please confirm distribution details with your local distribution coordinator!
WE ARE NOT ACCEPTING MEMBERS AT THIS TIME.
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.
One concern of mine has always been that certified organic produce is available to folks at all socioeconomic levels, rather than a de facto exclusive purchase. Simply, I believe that all people have a right to healthy, high quality, good food. To live this reality, I have allowed members to make payments over time. This practice is contrary to the financial model of CSA which seeks advance payment to provide base funds and thus enable more accurate budget planning and more efficient use of funds to optimize operation of the farm. In 2006, the Hell's Kitchen Distribution Group applied for and received grant funds from the 'Citizens for Better New York Neighborhoods' for $600 seed money to establish a no interest Revolving Loan Fund. With the donations of many like minded members the fund has since grown considerably.
This fund established an in-house mechanism that allows, 'the farm', to be paid the full share amount when a loan recipient joins. A contract setting out the terms is drawn up, signed and notarized after which a check is remitted to the farm. The loan is then repaid within one year, at no interest, on a schedule determined by the borrowing member. Funds are available on a first come first served basis. As the loans are repaid, the funds are made available to other loan applicants who may borrow from the fund. Using the fund requires the minimum deposit for each share. The Revolving Loan Fund is not available to Premium Executive Shareholders.
All terms of membership apply to shares purchased through use of the Revolving Loan Fund.
My hope is that members who choose to and can, donate to this fund. Together we can increase the impact of our socially responsible CSA by practicing this act of inclusion. Please help us grow our community 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 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