It’s that time of year!! Maybe you’re already signed up for this season, or maybe you’ve never heard about them. A CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) share is a local farm offering a certain number of farm “shares” of his/her crop to the public. These vary, and typically consist of veggies, but often times include fruit, eggs, cheeses, and even meat. Consumers purchase a share from their selected farmer and receive a predetermined quantity of the farmer’s crop regularly throughout the growing season. Even in Western PA, where we experience a relatively harsh winter, there are plenty of programs and shares to choose from 12 months throughout the year.
Why should you sign up for one?
Our eating and shopping habits are not just important for our health, but for our local economies, the environment, and the future of our food system. We cast a vote each and every time we buy. How and where we choose to spend our money is really important, and every dollar we spend creates a much greater impact than we realize.
Nearly half (45%) of money spent within local markets will remain there. Compare this with a meager 13% of money spent in chain retailers, and it becomes evident that even the most modest change in spending habits can produce considerable economic impact. Eating seasonally can be hard off season, especially in these cold winter months. It takes a little bit of creativity, flexibility, and a willingness to try new things. Bonus? Foods eaten in season are more flavorful and packed with more nutrients.
Outlined below, please find some of my family’s favorite summer shares in the Western PA/Pittsburgh area. Click the name of each farm to be directed to their website!
Not from Western PA? Click here to check out Local Harvest to find a CSA in your area!
garlic scape & spinach harvest
BLACKBERRY MEADOWS ORGANIC FARM
-Weeks: 20+
-Cost break down: Lots of options, ranging from Market Share Cards (like a gift card for the market), or up to $32 per week depending on what your needs/interests are!
-Extras: Garden shares, market memberships, pasture raised, happy pork, homemade soaps. This year, they are also inviting CSA members to the farm house weekly to chop, roast, blanch, freeze and taste their harvest with farmers & others members! They also host weddings and events at the farm!
-Pick up locations: On farm (Natrona Heights), North Side Farmers Market, East Liberty (Construction Junction)
-Perks: Aside from being one of the only certified organic local farms in the area, Jen, Greg, Evelyn and Olivia provide the most personal experience, hands down. They are present for all CSA pick ups, and you get to know them well. They understand the importance of farm immunity and gut health, which is why they encourage people to come out and spend time on the farm. They grow the best heirloom tomato you will ever taste, beautiful greens and garlic. These guys also team up with Four Frozen Farmers in December to sell Christmas trees at Construction Junction—a great way to support all facets of local agriculture!
pickled garden veggies, summer squash, farm haul
KRETSCHMANN ORGANIC FARM
-Weeks: 25
-Cost break down: A few options, ranging from $20-$30/week, depending on what your needs/interests are!
-Extras: Cheese, mushrooms, chicken, coffee, winter shares
-Pick up locations: Kretchmann utilizes residential porch pick up locations, so they’ll you’ll be assigned a pick up area based on proximity to your home.
-Perks: Don and Becky grow tree fruit, which is hard to find grown organically in this area!
summer fruits, cucumbers sprouting, garlic
PENN'S CORNER FARM ALLIANCE
-Weeks: 32
-Cost break down: $19-$26/week. Lots of options, ranging from as little as 8 weeks- to full season at 32 weeks. Certified organic, gluten free and vegan shares available.
-Extras: Online farmstand with fresh cut flowers, eggs, cheese, pork, beef, lamb, gift baskets, winter shares, extra quantities of vegetables & fruit, honey, jams, relishes, local maple syrup & honey, canned goods.
-Pick up locations: Our business, 3 Rivers Outdoor Company, is hosting a pick up this season! You can come and see us every week in Regent Square and scope outdoor gear while picking up your CSA! Penn’s Corner utilizes residential & small business porch pick up locations; you choose one convenient for you.
-Perks: Also, because they are a cooperative, you will also find a huge variety with this share. Penn’s corner works with more than 25 organic and sustainable farms & food producers around the state, providing a wide array of farm fresh goodies.
annual garlic harvest, weekly CSA haul
DILLNER FAMILY FARM
-Weeks: 21
-Cost break down: small, large and biweekly shares, ranging from $16-28/week.
-Extras: Online Farm Stand with eggs, Amish breads and cookies, extra quantities of vegetables and fruit, flower bouquets, pastured brown eggs, honey, cheese, jams, relishes, and frozen organic chickens.
-Pick up locations: We’ve been hosting a pick up for Dillner for the last several years, so if sign up, you could see us each week at our home, too! They also utilizes residential porch pick up locations—you choose the pick up location that is most convenient for you.
-Perks: These guys also have a brick and mortar farm stand located just off of Route 8 in Gibsonia. It is a one stop shop for seasonal veggies, fruits, seedlings/plants, eggs, bread, honey and locally canned goods. I made a biweekly trip here last fall for fall fruits, and purchased the most stunning wildflower seedlings in the spring for my garden!
heirloom tomatoes, North Side Farmers Market, gazpacho with garden veggies
In the meantime, check out this farm share inspired chowder, a family favorite, here.
I have experience working with all of these farms, and am happy to answer any additional questions you may have!! There are sooooo many other options in Western PA, and definitely something that is a good fit for your family. Explore options on localharvest.org.
Please also share your knowledge in the comments below! If you are unsure, and want to test the waters before making a huge commitment, opt for a small share (typically half of what is offered in a regular share, or offered biweekly). If you don't mind getting your hands dirty, many also offer work share/volunteer opportunities for a share discount, giving you the opportunity to be part of the magic.
Our family counts down the days until the start of growing season—being part of a CSA takes the guesswork out of what you should buy to eat; Mother Nature chooses for you! All of the farms listed above are accepting shareholders for the 2019 growing season. So, what are you waiting for?!
--Banana splits for breakfast, HOLLA!
--A hearty winter salad that will blow your damn mind
--Caprese linguine to get a taste of spring
--Veggie loaded pizzas
--And a coconut curry for the win!
Let's connect! Contact me HERE anytime.
