CSA Farm Share FAQ!
We’ve gathered some of our most frequently asked questions and put them into a one-stop-shop blog post. Whether you are a CSA farm share veteran or someone just considering purchasing your first share, we have all your questions answered here!
As always, we encourage everyone to reach out to our main office if you still have questions that we didn’t answer here.
Here are the questions, click to link directly:
Before You Buy FAQ:
How do I know which farm to choose?
There are a number of factors that go into making that final decision. Many of our CSA members select farms based on location, while others select their farm based on the unique aspects of each farm. Check out our “Which Farm is for Me?” blog post to help you make that decision.
2. I love eating local, but I’m not sure if I am a good fit for a farm share. How do I know?
18 weeks can seem like a large commitment if you’ve never had a CSA before (or, if you’ve never had a CSA through Garden City Harvest). Take our “Are you ready to CSA Farm Share?” quiz to help sort out some common stress points.
3. I can’t eat a whole share by myself! But that is all that is left/available at the PEAS Farm. What do I do?
You can totally still get a share, just split it with a friend! Many of our CSA members split their farm shares with a friend, couple, or second family. Our online CSA applications have room for you to let us know if you are splitting your share with someone else. If you can’t find someone to split with, give Ruth a call. Sometimes we know of a few folks looking for someone to split with and can match you up!
4. What if I’m not used to cooking a lot, or cooking with veggies I’ve never tried before?
A lot of CSA farm share members are pleasantly surprised at how much their cooking skills and confidence improved throughout the growing season. You don’t have to be a professional chef to enjoy the veggies you receive each week. Plus, as a CSA member you will have access to weekly recipes, veggie features, and our Facebook group where CSA members can ask questions and share recipes throughout the season.
5. How do pickups work?
You will have the option to pick-up on Monday or Thursday evenings, any time between 4:30 and 6:30 PM at the farm you selected. Be sure to pack your own bags or boxes to hold your veggies (better to pack too many than not enough)! Once you arrive, head over to the stand where you will be greeted by your farmers, and if it’s your first time with a CSA (or first time through Garden City Harvest) don’t be shy in asking questions about us, the veggies, or recipe suggestions. Your farmers will be there to walk you through which veggies, and how many veggies to take based on your share size.
6. What if I can’t pay the whole thing up front?
All we require to reserve your share is the $100 deposit (or $25 if a payment plan or sliding scale has been requested). The remaining balance isn’t due until July 31st, and our CSA admin team would be happy to discuss payment options if this is a stress point for you.
Pro-tip: Did you know? There are a handful of local businesses that will reimburse employees for their CSA farm share. Ask your employer to see if you, too have a reimbursement program like this.
After Sign-up FAQ
1. When’s the first pickup?
Our first pick-up is entirely weather dependent, but it typically occurs in the first week of June. The CSA team and your farmers will be contacting you via email with more information and a first pick-up date once we have a better idea of when there will be enough veggies for a pick-up.
2. Where do I go for the first pickup?
CSA farm shares will be ready at the farm you selected when you signed up. There are signs outside of all 4 of our neighborhood farms to flag you down, and then all of our farms will have a farm stand ready to go with farmers and harvested veggies ready to go. Pickups are between 4:30 and 6:30 pm each Monday and Thursday. When you signed up for the farm share, you chose either Monday or Thursday. We do require you to stick to that day (some farms will allow occasional changes, but they must be made at least one business day in advance — once the veggies are harvested, it can’t be undone!
3. What should I bring to pickup?
Bring several bags or boxes to carry your produce home in, and all of your food-related questions.
4. Is it okay to ask my farmer questions?
Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it. Your farmers are a fantastic resource to rely on if you have any questions about the vegetables, storage options, or the farm itself. CSA pick-ups are a great opportunity to swap recipes and learn about storage tips for veggies.
5. What if I go on vacation or can’t make a pickup?
Many of our CSA members have a friend pick their share up for them (whether they keep the veggies or just hold onto them is up to you).
6. How will I be kept in the loop between now and the first day?
Our primary method of communication is email. If you do not use email, we recommended giving us a call so we can make a note, or find a trusted friend
7. When are final payments due and how can I make them?
Payment in full is due by July 31, 2024. Payments can be made by mailing a check to 1657 River Road, Missoula MT 59801, or through our CSA payment portal, which will be active after 2024 CSA sign-ups.
8. What if I go on vacation or can’t make a pick-up?
Many of our CSA members have a friend pick their share up for them (whether they keep the veggies or just hold onto them is up to you). If you can’t find someone to pick your share up for you, please let your farmer know at least 24 hours in advance. If it’s just one of those weeks (they happen to the best of us), you can rest easy knowing that your share will be donated to one of our amazing partner organizations where the food will be consumed by those in need.