What is Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA?
The Poughkeepsie Farm Project’s CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program offers participants fresh, healthy vegetables in return for a financial commitment over a period of time. CSA participants receive vegetables once a week throughout the growing season. CSA promotes a responsible relationship between people and the food they eat, the land on which it is grown and the people who grow it.
What will I receive as a Poughkeepsie Farm Project CSA shareholder?
You will receive an average of 5-10 pounds of produce per week, depending on the size share you select. The variety of produce changes with the season. We grow a range of vegetables including salad greens and lettuce, beets, carrots, peppers, tomatoes, cabbage, broccoli, strawberries, carrots, and potatoes. In the spring greens are plentiful, summer is heavy with favorites like zucchini, tomatoes and peppers, and in the fall we harvest potatoes, winter squash, and carrots.
How much will I pay for my vegetables?
A standard full season non-working share (meaning the shareholder does not volunteer 12 hours during the season), normally costs $26 per week. A standard full season working share (meaning the shareholder volunteers for 12 hours during the farm season), normally costs $23.50 per week. A Sponsored Share costs between $2 and $14 per week, depending on what you can afford. You may pay weekly, monthly or upfront at the beginning of the season. Sponsored Shares are encouraged to volunteer and visit the farm; however, the payment for the share is not increased if one cannot do so. You may make your payment when you pick up your vegetables. We accept food stamps/SNAP.
Is there any other commitment to buying a share?
Work hours can be completed anytime from June through October. Various work opportunities such as mailing newsletters, leading cooking demonstrations, harvesting, helping with fieldwork for three-hour shifts, picking up and dropping off soup kitchen deliveries and more are available. Volunteering for and visiting the farm are great ways to meet new people, have fun with the family, meet the farmers that grow your food and see where your food comes from. Although Sponsored Shares are not required to volunteer, we highly encourage Sponsored Share participation in work hours as a great way to interact with the community and the farm. Please contact us to find out more about volunteering and to schedule something that works best for you.
When will I receive my vegetables?
You will receive your vegetables each week beginning June through early November if you choose a full season share, June through August for a summer share, or September through early November if you choose a fall share.
What size shares are available?
We have two sizes available, a standard share and a small share. A standard share is designed for a small family of four or two vegetarians while a small share is roughly half the size of a standard share, designed for an individual or a family that doesn’t eat a lot of vegetables.
Where can I pick up my vegetables?
You may pick up your vegetables at the farm (located on the “Vassar College Farm” at the intersection of Hooker and Raymond Avenue in Poughkeepsie) on Tuesdays between 4:00 pm and 7:00 pm or Saturdays from 9:30 am until 12:30 pm. Or you may pick up your vegetables at the Poughkeepsie Farmers' Market downtown on Main Street on Fridays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm.
How do I apply?
Download an application here or contact us to receive an application by mail or email.
Other Questions?
Contact us if you have any other questions.
