“I look forward to getting my produce on pick-up days. The beautiful colors and smells fill my kitchen when I unpack the bounty. There is always a great variety of produce (and a newsletter with recipe ideas for when I’m stuck on how to use something). One of my favorite parts about being a CSA member is having a chance to talk with Nathan. I am often still amazed that I regularly get to chat with the guy growing my food! ”
What is a CSA?
Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a farm share system. As a CSA member, you will receive freshly harvested produce throughout the growing season. Shares include a wide variety of organically grown fruits and vegetables, including familiar and well-loved staples like onions, lettuces, and tomatoes as well as more unusual and often more exciting items like blue potatoes, escarole, and carnival squashes. You and your family will be able to come to the farm, walk the fields, meet the farmer, and even harvest some of your own food. Joining our CSA is a choice that not only gives your family access to the best local food but also supports the larger Tine & Toil family. By pledging to support the farm for a season, you make sustainable farming attainable.
2024 CSA Share
SEASON: 3rd week of May through October
PICK UP LOCATIONS and TIMES
Tine & Toil Farm in Pottstown on Tuesday afternoons 2-7
Pigeon Creek Farm on Fridays 12-5
FULL SHARE
24 week season
7-11 fruit and vegetable varieties each week
$768 full share seasonal cost/$32 per week
HALF SHARE
12 week season, pick up every other week (you and your farmer Nathan will arrange for an "A" week or "B" week schedule)
7-11 fruit and vegetable varieties every other week
$408 half share seasonal cost/$34 per week
Steps to Become a Member
Complete the 2024 CSA AGREEMENT FORM. You will select a membership size (full or half) and pick-up location (Pottstown or Pigeon Creek Farm). Return this form to the farm by mail, email, or in person.
Select a payment option.
ONLINE: Pay the half share rate or make a deposit toward your full share of online HERE before the start of the season. Please note that online purchases include a 6 percent fee.
CHECK: Pay the full share rate of $768 or half share rate of $408 by check made out to "Tine and Toil Farm" before the start of the season.
PAYMENT PLANS: Flexible payment options are also available. Please contact the farm to discuss options.
FAQs
Where , when, and how will I pick up my share?
Local CSA members will pick up their shares at Tine & Toil Farm in Pottstown on Tuesday afternoons 2-7 or at Pigeon Creek Farm on Fridays 12-5. Bring your own bags or boxes to take your share home.
How much food and what kind of food will I receive each week?
Each share will include 7-11 different fruits and vegetables each time you pick up. You will receive each item in peak season. The generous portions will keep a family of four eating fresh produce all week long.
How many members are in the CSA?
We like to keep the number of CSA members small. The 2024 CSA will have 40 members. This lets us get to know you and lets you get to know us.
How will I communicate with the farmer?
Each week you will receive a NEWSLETTER via email from your farmer including a list of fruits and vegetables in the share, recipe suggestions, and updates on the farm. Feel free to contact us by phone, text, email, or in person with any questions or suggestions.
What if I cannot afford a share?
We are committed to helping everyone eat local and organically grown food. There are two options if the standard share price seems too expensive for your family:
MOSAIC LAND TRUST:
In 2018 we started partnering with the great non-for-profit located in Pottstown called the Mosaic Foundation. Each season they buy a portion of CSA Shares from us and distribute them through out the community. Please ask us for just contact them directly to find out more information about this program.
SUBSIDIZED SHARE:
Join the CSA at a subsidized rate. Receive all the food, but pay only a fraction of the price to be negotiated with the farmer. This share is intended for someone who is committed to local and organically grown produce but who may not be able to afford it. There is one subsidized share for the 2024 season. Contact Nathan at tineandtoilfarm@gmail.com with a brief introduction and description of your interest, and we will be in touch with more information.
Can I visit the farm?
Of course! Let us know you are coming or just drop by with your family and friends. You are always welcome.
Can I help out on the farm?
Please do! Volunteers are always welcome. Plan an afternoon of work and fun helping to plant, harvest, weed, or stir the compost. Remember, we also have one work share positions open for the 2023 season.
What if I am going to miss a pick up?
Missed shares cannot be made up. However, others are welcome to pick up the share for you in your absence. Send a friend or family member to pick up your share when you are out of town or unavailable, maybe you owe them a favor and they will thank you.
If you have any questions not answered above, simply email us at tineandtoilfarm@gmail.com.