What does it mean to be a member of a CSA Community?

Our Community Supported Agriculture, or CSA, is a unique partnership between Hawthorne Valley Farm and our Riverdale community of people who are committed to eating healthy food that is grown in socially responsible ways. As CSA members, we share in the risks and benefits of local, organic farming. We also share in the responsibilities of helping to set up, run, and close down our pick-up site, and ensuring that food not picked up is shared with our neighbors so that no food goes to waste. Below is a set of responsibilities you commit to as being a member of our CSA. Please carefully read and sign this agreement, and leave the copy with our site manager, Debbie.

I understand that as a CSA member, I share in the risks and rewards involved in farming, including poor weather, crop failure, or the bounty of a good season. I accept that the quantity and variety of items in my share will vary from week to week, depending upon weather and time of the season, and that certain items are only in season for a few weeks.

I commit to pick up my share(s) between 3:30 and 7:00 p.m. on Thursdays at Riverdale Neighborhood House on Mosholu Avenue at West 256th Street and will bring my own bags to pack my share.

I understand that pick-up hours will be strictly enforced and do not expect to have my share held. I agree that any items I do not pick up by 7PM will be donated to Riverdale Senior Services and to the Neighborhood Fridge.

I agree that I am obligated to complete approximately SIX HOURS of work shifts at our distribution site on pick-up days over the course of the season or to fulfill my work requirement by helping to administer the CSA by joining the Core Committee.

I understand that I must sign up for my workshifts using the online work requirement form by Week 4, Thursday, June 26 @ 7pm.

I understand that I am responsible for working during the time slots for which I sign up. If I am unable to do so, it is my responsibility to arrange to have someone else cover my shift (family, friends, babysitters, local students, etc.), but they must be able to work without adult supervision and follow instructions. If I choose to arrange for a substitute, I will provide the site manager (Debbie) with the person’s name before the shift so that I get credit for the shift.