If eating healthy is on your to-do list for 2022, there's still hope. Now is the perfect time to start looking into a local CSA program, or Community Supported Agriculture. This ultimate farm-to-table experience is a way to get the freshest food from a local farm, by purchasing weekly boxes containing just-picked produce, all while supporting local agriculture and benefiting the environment. Each CSA differs per farm, but contain a number of benefits such as healthy eating, saving time and money while supporting a local farm. Buy a share of a farm’s harvest in advance, and receive a box full of in-season produce as it’s harvested throughout the growing season. Sound good to you? Check out these CSA options that either deliver or have a local pickup near you.
Abma’s Farm CSA, Wyckoff A subscription to Abma's CSA brings a wide variety of seasonal fruits and veggies to your table including greens, peppers, apples and tomatoes, plus a number of additional perks to this popular spot. Members perks include free family barnyard admission once a week, a $20 market gift card, recipe ideas and more. Sign-ups are happening now for the program which runs May 31-October 28, with four pickup choices during the week to make it easy on your schedule.
Closter Farms The Farm Share Membership at Closter Farms includes a farm card that allows members to specifically choose what they want, and when they want it. Local produce throughout the season includes potatoes, summer squash and cauliflower, with an option for the farm to choose an assortment for you. Plus, membership gets you even more perks such as priority access to classes and events, recipes and exclusive farm tours.
Stokes Farm Thyme Saver CSA, Old Tappan The Thyme Saver CSA Program at Stokes Farm offers weekly box pick-ups of seasonal, local produce, packed with an ever-changing variety of vegetables, fruits and herbs. For those who may need a helping hand with dinner recipe prep, check out their weekly recipe and info sheet, so you can maximize the use of your box's ingredients. Members also get special perks such as classes, tours and discounts. Sign-ups for 2022 are happening now, both for their early spring CSA and the Thyme Saver CSA. Call 201-768-3931 for more information.
MEVO MEVO, which stands for Mahwah Environmental Volunteers Organization, operates a 2-acre community based, volunteer staffed educational farm in partnership with the Bergen County Parks Department. More than eight different farm products are available each week including bok choy, eggplant and kale, with the option of joining the Glassroots Farm Pastured Beef Shares plus a separate egg share. Sign-ups will begin in late February/early March for the 2022 season, but interested members can fill out this form prior to registration. Pickup is at MEVO Fresh Roots Farm at Campgaw Mountain Reservation.
Alstede Farms Look for hand-picked produce such as peppers, eggplant, corn, berries, peaches and more in each box, which Alstede's team members carefully create based on the freshest picks. As a member, you are also able to customize each box with the produce that you know and love to eat, with an onsite expert providing guidance. Plus, members get tons of fun benefits such as free admission to Alstede's pick your own days, in-store and in-box surprises, and recipe tips and ideas for the best use of your goods.
Flocktown Farm This home delivery CSA offers organically grown fruits and vegetables, which are customizeable in each box, plus additional bread and egg subscriptions. For just $3 each week, boxes can be delivered anywhere in Bergen County, with options ranging from a small share with six items per week to their large share with 12 items per week -- perfect for a cooking-friendly family. Their 2022 CSA membership sign-up is happening now.
Purple Dragon Co-op Local chapters, or "pods," of this co-op include River Edge, River Vale, Glen Rock, Lyndhurst, where you can pick up your delivery every other week. Expect anywhere between 15-30 pounds of fresh produce such as lettuce, apples, bananas, carrots and eggs. Plus, you can work with the members of your local chapter to share fruits and veggies, or arrange for more or less in the delivery depending on the group's needs.
