CSAs in Phoenixville Are Accepting New Members

Some of the first signs of spring are longer days and warmer weather. However, for the community-supported agriculture (CSA) enthusiasts, fresh vegetables, fruit, flowers, herbs and cheeses start to arrive in local communities during this season.

How does a CSA work? First, members purchase shares of crops from local farms. Then, farmers harvest the crops and deliver them to designated CSA locations. Afterwards, members travel to these areas and retrieve their goods.

Depending on the season and year, some crops are very successful, and the members reap the benefits of taking home extra. However, other crops may fail due to weather, pests or uncontrollable factors.

Regardless of the risks, members who purchase shares invest in locally grown agriculture within their communities.

“CSAs help preserve open space and contribute to the local economy," according to Catherine Renzi, founder of Yellow Springs Farms. “Local food also has a lower carbon footprint because it travels fewer miles from farm to table.”

There are numerous CSAs in Phoenixville, and each of them offers something unique. Listed below are the details.

Kimberton CSA

The Kimberton CSA, located near Kimberton Waldorf School, is selling local CSA shares of their fresh produce.

When describing the variety of Kimberton CSA crops, Birgit Landowne said, “We have a lot of greens, loose teas, salad mixes, tomatoes, peppers and fruits.”

In addition, this CSA has crops labeled as “you pick items” such as berries, peas, beans, flowers, okra, hot peppers, cherry tomatoes and paste tomatoes.

If you are planning a recipe and need fresh herbs, the Kimberton CSA categorizes some of its greens and herbs as “free choice items." Therefore, you have permission to take these at no additional charge.

Since there is no deadline, the Kimberton CSA is perfect for last-minute customers who are still undecided about investing into a CSA. On the other hand, this CSA in Phoenixville will stop selling shares when they sell a maximum of 250 shares.

Local Pick-up Point: 415 W. Seven Stars Rd., Phoenixville

Number of Shares Still Available: 25 half shares and 30 full shares

Price per Full Share/Half Share: $800/$500

How to Buy Shares: You can e-mail farmers@kimbertoncsa.org, and they will send you an application.

More Information: Call Birgit or Erik Landowne 610-933-8339, or e-mail them at kimbertoncsa@hotmail.com.

Season: May through November

Web site: Kimberton CSA

Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative CSA

With over 50 different pick-up locations near Philadelphia and other surrounding areas, Lancaster Farm Fresh grows numerous varieties of certified organic vegetable crops. In May, you can look forward to asparagus and kale; later, you can enjoy squash and sweet peppers during the fall harvest season.

When describing the difference between local and supermarket produce, Bob Pierson, the founder and director, said, “[Our crops are] picked in the morning and the day before.”

In other words, you are eating fresh local produce that was harvested hours ago.

Local Pick-up Point: First United Methodist Church in Phoenixville

Number of Shares Still Available: Unlimited

Price per Full Share/Half Share: $700/$425

How to Buy Shares: You can fill out an online application.

More Information: Call Bob Pierson at 215-733-9599, or send an e-mail to info@farmtocity.org.

Deadline: May 1

Season: June through October

Web site: Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative CSA

In addition to vegetables, you have the option of purchasing flower and fruit shares from this CSA in Phoenixville. Fruit shares are delivered during the 20-week period and may include jams, ciders and fruit batter. As for the flower shares, they are delivered weekly along with your vegetables. The optional fruit and flower shares cost $180 and $280.

Yellow Springs Farm

If you enjoy snacking on cheese or incorporating cheeses into your meals, Yellow Springs Farm may be ideal for cheese connoisseurs.

“We operate similarly to common produce CSAs that offer fruits and veggies, but our product is goat cheese," said Renzi. “Several local veggie CSAs have pick-up sites for our [cheese] CSA, so members can pick up both cheese and veggies together.”

Yellow Springs Farm delivers cheeses twice a month to Charlestown Road. Their members will have the opportunity to enjoy three varieties of cheeses totaling 12 ounces. If 12 ounces isn’t enough, you can purchase a “plus share," which gives you 16 ounces of cheese twice a month.

Local Pick-up Point: 2565 Charlestown Rd., Phoenixville

Number of Shares Still Available: 20 

Price per Full Share: If you pay by check, it costs $240. However if you choose to pay by credit card, it costs $245.

Price per Plus Share: Larger than the full share, you can get a total of 16 ounces of cheese. The cost is $325 or $330 depending on your payment choice.

How to Buy Shares: Fill out an application.

More Information: You can contact Catherine and Al Renzi at 610-827-2014, or send an e-mail to catherine@yellowspringsfarm.com.

Deadline: Yellow Springs Farm will stop selling shares on or before May 1.

Season: May through November

Web site: Yellow Springs Farm

Charlestown Farm

With over 40 acres of crops, Charlestown Farm grows vegetables and fruits for Phoenixville customers and some regional restaurants. Additionally, they sell CSA shares, so you can enjoy locally grown produce.

The Charlestown Farm is a very popular CSA in Phoenixville to join and sold all of its shares in 2010. According to the Web site, “We have a set number of shares and most of our members renew, so we only have a few new spots each year.”

They can add you on the waiting list if you would like to join.

Pick-up Point: 2565 Charlestown Rd. Phoenixville

Price per Full Share: $725

How to Buy Shares: If you want to be added to the waiting list, e-mail Liz@charlestownfarmcenter.org or contact Melissa Ingaglio at 610-917-0252.

Season: June through November

Web site: Charlestown Farm

Sankanac CSA

Offering five-month summer shares or ten-month shares, Sankanac CSA has fruits, vegetables, herbs and flowers from its 15-acre garden.

“Members can choose to purchase either a full or half share depending on their personal needs," according to the Sankanac CSA Web site. “A full share is designed to feed two adults and two children; a half share [will] feed a couple with a moderate veggie appetite or a veggie loving individual.”

Even though they appreciate new members joining their CSA, Sankanac only offers a few new shares every year because its customers usually renew their memberships. On the other hand, they can add you to the waiting list if you would like to participate.

Pick-up Point: 1852 French Creek Road, Phoenixville

Number of Shares Still Available: There are a few shares left.

Price per Full Share/Half Share: $700/$400

How to Buy Shares: Send an e-mail t0 sankanacCSA@gmail.com.

Contact: Call D. Todd Newlin at 610-935-0300, or send an e-mail to sankanaccsa@gmail.com.

Season: May through October

Web site: Sankanac CSA