CSA Season
Farm-fresh onions, direct from a CSA near you…Just one of many locally grown treasures you can have delivered from a local farm.
Every second Wednesday of the month, a box arrives at my front door.
This box, neatly stamped “Harvie Farms," is one of countless Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs available in the Pittsburgh area. Like meal subscription services, these contain food to last a week or so. But unlike these dinner kit boxes, everything inside is from a local farm or producer.
CSA boxes are a form of community investment in local farms. Consumers purchase a share in the farm’s produce before the harvest, providing farmers a secure source of income before the season starts. From late spring to mid-fall, those who purchased a share are then rewarded with boxes of farm-fresh vegetables, fruits, and more.
Farm shares are a great way to experience the joys of fresh produce, directly from the fields. But a CSA share doesn't stop at crops; these shares can include anything from vegetables and fruits to specialty goods like bread, cheese, eggs, and flowers.
If you’re a first-timer thinking about diving into the CSA world this year, my biggest advice is not to be scared of it. You might get something a bit out-of-the-box in your share, but use that ingredient to find a new recipe or learn a new technique – it’s all part of the fun.
(If you’re a regular CSA supporter who’s just late to the game this year, don’t fret. There’s still plenty of shares to go around.)
And while I love my share from Harvie Farms, it may not be the right box for everyone. With so many CSA programs around – varied in frequency, size, and customization options – there's a good choice for every household. Just don’t wait too long to sign up. Shares go fast!
bluegoosefarmnicktown.com
With pick-up sites in three counties, Blue Goose Farm’s one-size-only CSA box is perfect for a veggie-loving family.
blackberrymeadows.com
Blackberry Meadows sets up their CSA two ways: there’s “market-style,” when you can choose your items, like at a farmers market, or the typical, pre-packed share.
plottwistfarm.com
For those in Erie, Plot Twist Farm offers home delivery for their 18-week CSA.
harvie.farm
This highly customizable box – consumers can pick from over 200 items each share - is delivered straight to your door.
Northwest PA Growers Cooperative
nwpagrowers.com
This collective features farmers from Butler, Mercer, Lawrence, Crawford, Clarion, and Venango. Purchase their summer share for 24-weeks full of fruits and veggies.
The Marketplace at Emerald Valley
themarketplacevfs.square.site
Pick between a full and a half share of Emerald Valley’s “not your normal CSA”, both available for pick up or delivery (for an added charge).
freedomfarmspa.com
Pick from dairy, meat, or produce shares at Freedom Farms, with pickup available in Valencia and their traveling markets, Bloomfield and Aspinwall.
harvie.farm/profile/strawberry-lane-produce
Three sizes of produce CSAs are available for delivery from Strawberry Lane, a small farm located in Conneaut Lake, PA.
edibleearthfarm.com
With pickup locations all over the city, Edible Earth Farms runs a year-long CSA full of diverse offerings.
masonfarms.com
For those up by Erie, Mason Farms has four pick-up locations for their shares, filled with six to nine varieties of fruits and vegetables each week.
STORY BY MAGGIE WEAVER / PHOTOGRAPHY BY JEFF SWENSEN
12 Month - 6 issue subscription
Indulge in the taste spring with this delicious Cherry Galette