Go Ahead, Get Fresh: CSAs in NYC
By Justin Hartung, Restaurants Editor
Sure, the produce at Whole Foods is amazing, but when you consider issues like cost and carbon footprints, the excitement wilts. Instead, try a community-supported agriculture program, which--in exchange for an upfront fee and volunteer time--lets you make weekly pickups of ultra-fresh veggies provided by nearby farms.
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Sixth Street Community Center CSA
Full and half shares are available all year long at this CSA stocked by Catalpa Ridge Farm in New Jersey. Seafood-lovers may want to give it a try, as wild Alaskan salmon, halibut, cod and rockfish are also offered as part of a partnership with a fishery. Full share: Approximately $500. -
Chelsea CSA
Since 2000, Stoneledge Farm in South Cairo, New York, has provided a year-round supply of fruits and veggies, and even meats, poultry and cheese. Full share: $450. -
West Harlem CSA
Cascade Farm in Patterson, New York, provides the produce for this uptown program, which occasionally offers eggs as well. Full share: $525. -
Prince George CSA
Membership is income-based at this CSA, which services midtown with summer shares of fruits and vegetables, and winter shares of veggies, dairy products and dry goods. Full share: $500-$650, depending on income. -
Washington Square CSA
Pickles, jams and tomato sauces sometimes show up along with the fruit, veggie and dairy shares from Norwich Meadows Farm. Price still to be determined.
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Park Slope CSA
Farmer Ted Blomgren of Windflower Farm stocks this Park Slope CSA with fresh veggies and partners with other farms for fruits, flowers, meats and dairy. Full share: $370, plus $20 registration fee. -
Greenpoint-Williamsburg CSA
Fruits, veggies, eggs and even flowers, all from a Long Island farm, are available, and low-income scholarships are offered. Full share: $495 (with a $10 discount if you order before March 31). -
Hawthorne Valley Farm CSA
From June to November, this farm in Ghent, New York, delivers fruits and 40 varieties of vegetables, all organic and biodynamic, to Riverdale. Full share: $500. -
Astoria CSA
A picnic in Astoria Park, a year-end potluck and two (optional) organized trips to Golden Earthworm Farm in Jamestown, New York, demonstrate this CSA's emphasis on community. Full share: $495, plus $25 administrative fee.
