By Crystal Stevens
There is a dire need for a shift in the way we source our food. Individuals around the globe are becoming more and more concerned about where their food comes from. Gardens are sprouting up across cities, towns and suburbs. There is a real need for change in our current food system. There are plenty of ways to source local produce, pasture raised meats, farm fresh eggs, and artisan foods. Our region has a plethora of farmers markets, CSA Farms and local grocers to choose from.
CSA-Community Supported Agriculture Farms are an excellent way to incorporate fresh local seasonal produce into the weekly diet. In a CSA Farm, members pay up front to help the small farmer with seed and operating costs. Members receive a share of the seasonal harvest each week during the growing season (typically mid May through October. The premise behind Community Supported Agriculture is that members share in both the risks and the benefits with the farmer; they enjoy the surplus and bounty during the great harvests, but also show patience and understanding when a crop failure occurs due to sometimes uncontrollable factors such as weather, plant disease, swarms of insects or wildlife. Members and their families build a relationship with their farmers and deepen their connection to where their food comes from and how it is grown.
A CSA box averages between $25 and $55 per week and may include vegetables and herbs. Custom boxes may be built to include local cheese, meats, dry goods and value added products.
Supporting localized food systems significantly reduces the carbon foot print by reducing the number of miles that food travels and also circulates funds back into the local economy.
Joining a CSA Farm is just one of many ways in which you can become involved in food issues within your community. You have choices to make in terms of what is right for you and your family.
Eating locally shifts your view on food and what to prepare when. Creativity enters the kitchen with heirloom and specialty produce that may make an appearance in your CSA Box throughout a season. It is great to plan ahead; find out what grows locally during each month in your region and ask farmers and neighbors how they prepare their seasonal produce. Check your local Meetups and garden clubs for recipe ideas. Typically, CSA Farms provide a weekly newsletter packed with information about the week’s share which includes recipes and farm happenings. Most farms are on various social media sites, providing recipe ideas and tips for planning ahead. Browse the guide below to see which CSA Farm suits your individual needs.
Know Your Farmer, Know Your Food!
“Globalized industrialized food is not cheap: it is too costly for the Earth, for the farmers, for our health. The Earth can no longer carry the burden of groundwater mining, pesticide pollution, disappearance of species and destabilization of the climate. Farmers can no longer carry the burden of debt, which is inevitable in industrial farming with its high costs of production. It is incapable of producing safe, culturally appropriate, tasty, quality food. And it is incapable of producing enough food for all because it is wasteful of land, water and energy. Industrial agriculture uses ten times more energy than it produces. It is thus ten times less efficient.” – Vandana Shiva
Avant Gardens CSA
Co-operative with several area farms
avantgardensco-operative.weebly.com
facebook.com/avantgardenscsa
avantgardenscsa@gmail.com
phone 573-237-5121
1108 Olive New Haven, MO
367 Cedar Grove Lane New Haven, MO 63068
Mini Shares are $30/week ($390/three month season)
Basic Shares are $50/week ($650/three month season)
Premium Shares are $80/week ($1,040/three month season)
39 weeks
Array of seasonal fruits and veggies, one or two meat items, bread, cheese and eggs in each share
Vegetarian shares are available
Serving Franklin County and surrounding areas
Pick up locations are New Haven, Washington, Hermann and Rosebud
EarthDance Organic Farm School
Since 2010
EarthDance Organic Farm School sustainably grows food, farmers and community, one small farm at a time, through hands-on education and delicious experiences. EarthDance offers Farming Apprenticeship each year to community members. The Farm and Garden Apprenticeship is a part-time, hands-on, education in organic gardening, market farming, and applied permaculture. EarthDance apprentices (aka “Freshman Farmies”) learn the skills of organic agriculture, through hands-on education in the fields and from experienced farmers and gardeners. EarthDance’s Farm & Garden Apprenticeship Program was developed to serve the needs of individuals seeking to learn organic growing techniques and practices, on a part-time basis. Some apprentices aspire to operate their own farms, while others plan to cultivate home, community, and youth gardens. The program incorporates instruction in techniques applicable to garden-scale production in addition to large-scale growing. The Farm & Garden Apprenticeship Program Runs April-September. The program is full for 2017. If you are interested in the 2018 program, join the mailing list to get application information for 2018.
EarthDance Farms is no longer doing a CSA but look for them at Ferguson Farmers Market every Saturday morning May through October.
Website: www.earthdancefarms.org
Contact person/email/phone number:
Soraya Faramarzi
soraya@earthdancefarms.org,
314-521-1006.
Fair Shares CCSA (Combined CSA)
Since 2008 (Season 10 begins in April!)
April through February (48 weeks)
Local, sustainably raised proteins (meats and fish), eggs, fruits, vegetables, grains, dairy, bread, pasta, jams, honey, sweets, canned and frozen vegetables, beans, prepared dishes, and more) from over 80 providers
Each share includes a protein, eggs, seasonal produce, staples, dairy, etc. on a rotational basis, with all non-produce items tradable to allow for customization. Visit our website for examples of shares at each season.
Full Share (48 shares)- $50/weekly pickup, payable in monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annual or annual installments
Half Share (24 shares)- $50/bi-weekly pickup, payable in monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annual or annual installments
Mini Share (48 shares)- $33/weekly pickup, payable in monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annual or annual installments
Delivered Share (48 shares)- $40/weekly drop-off, payable in monthly, bi-monthly, semi-annual or annual installments
Main pickup location on The Hill Wednesday and Thursday 3:30-7:00, UCity pickup Wednesday 4:30-6:00, Kirkwood Pickup Thursday 4:15-6:00, Thursday Deliveries to groups at workplace or school
Sign up online at fairshares.org
Contact Sara Hale
sara@fairshares.org
314-852-5743
Gateway Greening Urban Farm
Since 2013
Late-May through Late-October (24 weeks)
Vegetables, herbs, limited fruit
Regular Share (2-3 people): Early June – Kale, Chard, Salad Mix, Radish, Bok Choy, Peas, Garlic Scapes, Tart Cherries, Thyme, Oregano. Large Share (4-6 people): See above. Regular Share: $360 ($15/week). Large Share: $600 ($25/week). Payment Options available. Lump Sum. 3 installations, paid in full prior to first pick-up.
Pick-up Only
Gateway Greening Office
2211 Washington Ave., St. Louis MO 63103
Wednesdays, 11am-6pm, Saturdays, 9am-3pm
How to sign up: www.gatewaygreening.org/csa/
Website: www.gatewaygreening.org
Contact person/email/phone number
Jackson Hambrick, jackson@gatewaygreening.org
314-588-9600 ext. 109
La Vista Farm
Since 2002
Mid May through late October
Non GMO seeds
Produce is grown using sustainable methods. (No synthetic pesticides! No synthetic Herbicides!) Offers members a variety of over 70 vegetables and lots of fresh herbs that can be grown in the region including specialty and heirloom varieties. Standard items include broccoli, cabbage, Napa cabbage, Bok choi, Gourmet Salad Mix, fresh herbs, carrots, eggplant, golden zucchini, zucchini and squash, heirloom tomatoes, sun gold cherry tomatoes, kale, chard, peppers, eggplant, scallions, potatoes, colorful bell peppers, garlic, sweet potatoes, Winter squash, and much more. Visit website for a complete list. Shareholders also enjoy access to the pick your own field, in which they can bring the whole family out for a day of picking delicious sugar snap peas, fresh herbs, strawberries, green beans, three varieties of cherry tomatoes, and flowers . Farm Pick-Up on Tuesdays and Fridays from 2pm-7pm in Godfrey, IL (45 minutes from St. Louis). St. Louis pick up every Saturday morning from 7am-9am at Garden Heights Nursery on 1605 South Big Bend Blvd in Richmond Heights. Edwardsville Pick-Up on Tuesdays from 5:30pm-6:30pm at Green Earth Grocery
www.lavistacsa.org Find us on facebook . Full Share $600 Alternate Share $340 + one time delivery fee of $35 for pick up in St. Louis, MO or Edwardsville, IL
Sign up at www.lavistacsa.org Email phil@lavistacsa.org Call (618)467-2104. Open House and Farm Tour on Sunday, May 7th 2017 in the afternoon. La Vista provide 10 Community Offering Shares to low-income families and donates over 1,000 lbs of produce to local food pantries.
Weekly e-newsletter with fresh seasonal recipes from The Farmers Table. La Vista CSA Farm is located on the scenic bluffs of the Mighty Mississippi in Godfrey, IL.
4350 Levis Lane Godfrey IL 62035
Lee Farms CSA
Since 2007
100 member CSA
CSA runs for 20 weeks, begins 1st week of June and runs until mid-October. The CSA is produce (vegetables, watermelons, cantaloupes), and eggs. Meat from Lee Farms is available throughout the year as an additional purchase. Everything in the Lee Farms CSA share box is grown on our farm by our family. The share box will contain 6 to 10 different items each week and will range from 7 to 10 pounds of vegetables. A share costs $550 for the season. Larger families purchasing multiple shares receive a 10% discount. We have established pick-up sites in: Ladue, Skinker/DeBaliviere, Central West End, South City, Webster Groves, Crestwood, St. Charles, and Warrenton. The pick-up sites are divided into Tuesday or Thursday delivery days. This balance is important to ensure fresh veggies for all, and is determined as sign-ups progress. New sites can be established if interest warrants.
Rusty & Teresa Lee Lee Farms, LLC 39358 Pin Oak Church Rd Truxton, MO 63381
www.facebook.com/leefarms rusty@leefarms.net
314 954 0551 cell 636 597 9921 farm
Local Chef STL
Farm to Table CSA Program
In addition to offering an interesting variety of local, seasonal produce, we include locally raised pastured meats, free range poultry, cage free eggs, hormone-free local dairy products, locally produced groceries, Local Chef Kitchen’s sauces, soups, sides & more, PLUS Weekly “Chef’s Notes” with suggestions on how to prepare the items in each week’s box. Our CSA program runs weekly from June through October (22 weeks). Full and half shares are available, and pick up is at Local Chef Kitchen in Ballwin. Please e-mail us at localchefstl@att.net or call Local Chef Kitchen at (636) 220-3212 for more information.
Local Farmer Crop Boxes
Year Round
$20 per week – $40 per week for custom box
Full and Half Shares
Home delivery and several pick up locations available
Washington University Medical School
Great Harvest Bread – Maplewood
Frida’s Deli – University City
Blue Sky Nutrition – Florrisant
The Natural Grocer – St. Louis (Chippewa/Hampton)
Home Delivery – Selected Areas for additional fee
Sustainably grown
Garden Share includes seasonal vegetables. Custom share may include bread, meat, eggs, yogurt and more.
www.Localfarmercsa.com
Local Harvest Grocer
Weekly Harvest
Since 2009
Year round
Weekly Harvest provides either an omnivore or vegetarian mix of produce, grains, meat (if omnivore), dairy, eggs, locally crafted items like jams, and even coffee or tea. In off-season months, we buy organic produce for the box.
The value of the box is always the same, but in summer and late fall when local produce is more plentiful, the box has more pounds of produce. $50 per week plus tax
Weekly Harvest customers can choose from three pick up times. Additionally we do offer delivery to select areas of Saint Louis County. Weekly Harvest customers also receive 10% off any additional items purchased at time of pick-up or delivery.
Email weeklyharvest8@gmail.com to sign up.
localharvestgrocery.com
Contact Becca
weeklyharvest8@gmail.com 314.865.5260
Macs Local Buys Grocery Bag
Since 2013
$70 per week (includes tax)
12 total pick ups
Bi-weekly -mid may through October
Pickups are at Mac’s Local Buys Market & Food Hub in Dogtown. 1221 Tamm Ave.
Items include pastured meats, pork, beef, poultry, seasonal produce from canned goods, and dry goods
www.macslocalbuys.com
Veggies, Meat, Eggs, Bread, Treat/Sweet – 2 sacks of local goodness each week! Veg CSA, 2 lbs local proteins, 1 doz farm fresh eggs, loaf of artisan bread and a treat/sweet.
Chris “Mac” McKenzie 314-479-8155, macslocalbuys@gmail.com
New Roots Urban Farm
Since 2005
May-November
Members receive vegetables, fruits, and herbs
One share includes 7-10 items. Shares vary seasonally based on what is available. We grow over 50 varieties of fruits, vegetables, and herbs using sustainable methods (no synthetic chemicals).
Whole Share (22 Weeks): $550
Half Share (11 Weeks): $225
Spring Share (6 Weeks): $150
Fall Share (6 Weeks): $150
Pick up is on Friday afternoons at our farm near Downtown St. Louis (1832 Hogan Street).
Alternative pick up plans may be arranged.
Send an email, a facebook message, or call.
newrootsurbanfarm.com
facebook.com/newrootsurbanfarm
newrootsurbanfarm@gmail.com 314.764.5748
Full Share $550. Everything grown organically. Because we only offer a limited number of shares each year and our farm is run in a collaborating/cooperative style we often build great connection with our share holders.
Our City Farm CSA
Since 2010
May – October
Heirloom Produce, Pastured Poultry, Soy-free Eggs
Whole/Half/Mixed shares
Cafeteria-style plan, flexible pricing
Central West End pickup/local delivery
Sign up online – www.ourcityfarm.com/members or call us at 314-282-5290. www.ourcityfarm.com
Contact Jeri Villarreal info@ourcityfarm.com
314-282-5290
Sandy Valley CSA
Year the CSA began 2013
Time frame in which produce is provided (mid-May -mid-November for us) mid-May to mid-October
What your farm provides members (general, ex. fruits
vegetables and herbs) vegetables, fruits, herbs, beef, pork and eggs
Example share (size of box, bag, etc) Full shares are 5 to 12 different vegetables per week; half share is half of that
Price breakdown $910.00 for full share; $455.00 for half share; beef, pork and eggs are extra cost
Pick up at the farm on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
How to sign up Sign up at www.sandyvalleycsa.com
Website www.sandyvalleycsa.com
Contact Steve Christ (314) 852-7173
email: farmer@sandyvalleycsa.com
Steve and Eva Christ
(636) 479-9506
The Sandy Valley CSA Team
Seeds of Hope Farm
Since 2012
Mid-May thru October
Fruits, vegetables, herbs.
Example share (size of box, bag, etc): a box with 6-8 veggies, with a farmers’ market value of $20. Price breakdown: Sponsor members pay $28 per share to subsidize access for low-income members who pay $12. Pick up/delivery info: Pick-up sites in Overland, Bel-Ridge, and Spanish Lake in the County and the Grove neighborhood in the City.
We also feature community dinners, farm days, and cooking and gardening classes. How to sign up: online at www.seedsofhopefarm.org. Contact person/email/phone number: Jake Smith, jsmith@caastlc.org, 573-624-9563
Shared Bounty CSA
In business since 2010
Mid-May until mid November
Fruits, vegetables, herbs, free-range, organically-produced eggs. Full-share is a 48 quart cooler, suitable for 4 or more people. Half-share is a 28 quart cooler, suitable for 2-3 people. Full-share farm pickup $795.00, Full-share delivered $995.00, Half-share farm-pickup $485.00, Half-share delivered $685.00. Delivered to your door, or farm-pickup
Sign-up sheet on our website. www.sharedbounty.com
Jim Prouhet or Jill Lunnemann, 636-462-4058
info@sharedbounty.com
Terripin Farms
Since 2008
June-October
Our farm produces vegetables, melons and herbs.
We offer Half shares 1/2 bushels 400.00 and Full share 3/4 bushel 550.00. Between 8-15 items per week. We have 3 pickup locations 1. Lake St Louis Wednesdays 3-4pm Meadows shopping center. 2. Ofallon Wensdays 4:30-6:30pm.Tr. Hughes. 3. St. Charles Wensdays 6:45-7:15pm mexico rd. You can sign up by contacting Jessica Whiston at terripinfarms@gmail.com www.terripinfarms.com
We attend the Lake St. Louis Farmers market Saturdays from June-October. Jessica Whsiton. 217-440-4678.
terripinfarms@gmail.com
The Farm at Kraut Run
May through October
$950 per season
Pick up at The Farm 4354 Wilson Road Wentzville MO
Certified Naturally Grown vegetables, fruits herbs and flowers including heirloom varieties. Certified Naturally Grown Farm. Free range ducks, chickens and hogs are fed 100% non GMO feed. Pork and Eggs are available in addition to the cost of the shares. Visit www.krautrun.com
Email farmatkrautruncsa@gmail.com
The Libertine CSA- The Neighborhood Bag
Since 2014
$405-$495, depending on share
Share Options include vegan, vegetarian, Paleo and Omnivorous. Pick up Tuesday 11am-7pm at The Libertine in downtown Clayton . Focus on local, high quality ingredients including seasonal produce, cheese, eggs, meat, fresh bread. Chef Josh Galliano adds specialty artisan items each week. www.libertinestl.com.
Three Rivers Community Farm
Since 2007; this is our 11th season
Mid-May through December
Strictly a vegetable CSA with some fruit like strawberries and melons. We also offer egg subscriptions and preserving shares of the harvest.
Our weekly box typically contains 8-10 different produce items–in the spring and fall this is about a 1/2 bushel box and in the summer months a 3/4 bushel box.
Our weekly box is $650 for 24 weeks. Our every-other-week box is $325 for 12 weeks. We also offer a 10 week flex membership where folks can pick the weeks they want to get a box for $350.Pick up is at the Schlafly farmers market on Wednesdays; at a University City location also on Wednesdays; at Studio Gaia in Edwardsville on Thursdays; at the Tower Grove farmers market on Saturday mornings
Sign up can be done through our website Three Rivers Community Farm. Amy Cloud;
info@threeriverscommunityfarm.com; 618-946-7974
We attend the Schlafly farmers market on Wednesdays from 4-7 April through October, plus the winter markets; the Tower Grove farmers market on Saturdays from 8-12:30 starting in mid-April through November, plus winter markets. We also have an open to the public, on-site farm stand located on our property in Elsah (22935 Chautuaqua Road) that is open Thurs. and Fri. from 10-7PM and Sat. from 9-2 starting in mid-May through October.
Thrive Field & Forest
Occasional vendors at Tower Grove Farmers Market
Look for us at The Healthy Planet Expo and St. Louis Earth Day. Crystal & Eric Stevens (formerly the farmers at La Vista CSA Farm). They grow heirloom vegeables, specialty crops, medicinal herbs, culinary herbs and more. They also offer a variety of ethically foraged and wildharvested plants and mushrooms and herbal products. They operate an Herbal CSA, offering handmade herbal products. They teach a Resilient Living Workshop Series with classes ranging from Medicinal Herbs, Ethical Foraging, Gardening 101, Backyard Permaculture, Composting, Edible Landscaping, Pollinator Gardening, Fermentation 101, Healthy Cooking, Mushroom Innoculation and more.
Eric is the co-Farm Manager at EarthDance Organic Farm School. Crystal is the Marketing Coordinator for EarthDance Farms. www.growcreateinspire.com
growcreateinspire@gmail.com
Vesterbrook Farm CSA
Since 2010
January – December)
Vegetables, Fruits, Herbs, Nuts, Eggs and Meats.
Several Farm Shares – See Website
Varies according to options – See website
On Farm pickup plus delivery throughout St. Louis, South County, Pacific, West County, Wentzville plus Lincoln and Pike County.
See Website to sign up
www.VesterbrookFarm.com
Contact Carol, Carol@VesterbrookFarm.com,
Farmer Mike – 573-560-0871
No markets or on-site farm stand at this time.