Since 2019 at the inception of Folks Farm we decided to utilize a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) model for our annual start-up costs. We felt it was important to offer food to our community, creating an ongoing and direct connection for Folks to local food. That first year we were blessed to have 17 members. Fast forward to now and the CSA program has become the steadily growing backbone of the farm supporting over 100 families. I cannot believe we are rounding the corner to our 6th growing season!
From now until Friday we are offering an unprecedented deal on our CSA. Since members sign on early we always offer a percent bonus for their support, basically interest on the loan we receive. Our current rate is a 12% bonus! If you have been considering purchasing a share, now is the best time.
Our CSA functions through a gift card system. You receive a card at the start of the season preloaded with credits. From that point, you can use your card at either our Farm Stand (Tuesday-Friday 10am-6pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-4pm) or at the Larimer County Farmers Market (Saturday 9am-1pm) from mid-May until the end of October.
We staff our Farm Stand so there is always someone to help guide your purchases of regionally adapted starter plants, veggies, and Colorado grown fruit (all included in the share). Regular members get discounts on other local products like bread, eggs, honey, and kimchi. The Super Share allows you to purchase ANYTHING from the Farm Stand!
This system allows over 50 hours per week to redeem your credits. Since wrapping up our first season we have used an annual survey to align our crop production with veggies people love. I have consistently heard from many of our customers how much they enjoy our crop diversity and knowing they can get their favorites consistently. The gift card allows you to only purchase the crops you want, instead of a pre-packed box.
CSA members receive a weekly newsletter complete with recipes, more detailed farm news, and crop updates. We also host an end of season CSA party for members only.
I have been surprised how many friendships have formed because of the CSA. People I might never have met otherwise I consider friends. The continuity of seeing the same faces week after week builds trust and caring. One way I am excited to improve our CSA is to offer more chances for members to interact with each other. We are considering classes, farm dinners, potlucks, and other ways to facilitate more interaction.
If you are looking for fresh seasonal produce, a direct connection to that food, a community of like minded people, and don’t mind shopping at a Farm Stand or Farmers Market the CSA is a great option.
While you are there consider donating through the Share the Share program to help low income families afford a CSA through the Vegetable Connection. This program has been instrumental in providing produce to those who might never have walked in our doorway. Thanks Veggie Connection!
Farm News
The Farm Stand will be open Tuesday and Wednesday this week from 10am-5pm. We will be closed for the holiday and are considering taking the weekend off as well. I urge you to shop local this week. Farms have put in a tremendous amount of effort to have fresh produce this time of year and I am especially impressed with the local selection. There are a few of us that would love to help make your feast great this Thanksgiving.
What we have in stock:
Greens- Arugula, Hearts and Souls Salad Mix, Spicy Mix, green and purple napa cabbage, purple and green cabbage, amazing celery, dill bunches, and broccoli
Roots- Red and Gold beets, yellow and red onions, shallots, purple and watermelon daikon radish, garlic, kohlrabi, orange carrots, purple top turnips
Fruits- ORGANIC Apples and Pears from Ela Family Farm, organic winter squash (kabocha, delicata, spaghetti, butternut, pie pumpkin)
Local Products- Lehi Ranch Grass-Fed Beef, KREAM Kimchi, Bread Chic Sourdough, Bee Squared Honey (from the farm), Jodar Eggs, Christie Leighton Jewelry, Rey Atelier hyper-local medicinals for home and body