The Hunter Park GardenHouse CSA (community supported agriculture) project is a great way to meet other community members, talk about food, learn new recipes, eat healthy, and sharpen gardening skills in a receptive environment- and to receive a bag of fresh vegetables each week grown in your own neighborhood!
We are accepting applications for our Summer CSA beginning April 16 for new 48912 members, for returning 48912 members on April 30, and for non-48912 residents on May 7.
Read more about our Summer CSA below or apply online here. Paper copies of the application can also be found in the GardenHouse and Allen Neighborhood Center.
Summer CSA Share We put a lot of thought into what goes into a share, and we’ve seen four successful seasons so far. We provide a balance of staples with new, exciting items to try. While we are not a certified organic operation, we utilize only organic growing practices, so you can be sure our produce is safe and healthy for you and your family.In the share each week, members will receive:
- A seasonal assortment (8-15 items) of fresh, locally grown vegetables. Due to seasonality, some weeks will be lighter than others.
- A newsletter with a recipe tailored to that week’s share. We’ll pass along recipes for unusual items, new ideas for old standbys, storage techniques, and upcoming food and garden-related events.
- An occasional bouquet of cut flowers (new addition this year).
Here are sample projected shares for the 2012 season:
June: 1 bunch broccoli, 1 bunch carrots, 1 bunch cooking greens, 1 head lettuce, 1 bunch turnips, 1 bunch radishes, 8 oz salad mix, 1 bag spinach
July: 1 bunch basil, 1 bunch beets, 1 lb. cucumbers, 2 Asian eggplants, 1 bunch cooking greens, 1 bunch herbs, 2 sweet peppers, 5 hot peppers, 1 lb. summer squash, 2 lbs. tomatoes
August: 1 bunch basil, 1 lb. cucumbers, 1 Asian eggplant, 1 lb. green beans, 1 bunch cooking greens, 2 sweet peppers, 5 hot peppers, 2 lbs. tomatoes, 2 lbs. summer squash, 1 lb. onions, 1 lb. potatoes
Summer CSA Schedule (projected) The Summer CSA is projected to have 14 weeks of share distributions, beginning as early as June 6. June: 4 share distributions, July: 4 share distributions, August: 5 share distributions, September: 1 share distribution
Work Share, Cost & Payment We offer a unique selection of work share and payment options to suit the needs of our community.
Our shares are divided as follows:
- Work Only- cost is waived with 16 work hours per month. A limited number of these shares are available. Members must commit to work during scheduled hours. Members must complete an ANC volunteer application and Background Check waiver. If the 16 work hours per month are not completed by the last day of the month, you will be charged $5.25 per hour that is incomplete, that must be paid at the first pick-up of the following month.
- ½ Work & ½ Pay- members pay $9 per share (or $126 per season) and work 8 hours per month. A limited number of these shares are available. Members must commit to work during scheduled hours. Members must complete an ANC volunteer application and Background Check waiver. If the 8 work hours per month are not completed by the last day of the month, you will be charged $5.25 per hour that is incomplete, that must be paid at the first pick-up of the following month.
- All Pay- members pay $18 per share (or $252 for the season).
There are three payment options:
- Lump Sum- Pay your whole balance at the start of the program. Checks only, due no later than June 6, 2012. *
- Monthly- Due by the first pick-up of each month. Checks and Credit only. *
- Week to Week- Pay at the point of pick-up for your share. Checks, Credit, and EBT (Bridge Cards) accepted. *
*You are responsible for paying for each share, even if you miss a pick up. EBT can only be accepted at point-of-sale (not in advance or after).
Checks made payable to: Allen Neighborhood Center (Summer CSA in the memo line). Drop off at or mail to: 1619 E. Kalamazoo Street Lansing, MI 48912
Pick Up Harvest takes place on Wednesday mornings from 10am-12pm. All members are welcome to volunteer during the CSA harvest (an ANC Volunteer Application and Background Check waiver must be completed).
Shares are available for pick-up on: Wednesdays: 2:30-7:00pm (6:30pm beginning in September). Shares will be available inside the Allen Neighborhood Center during the Allen Street Farmers Market hours.
*If you are unable to pick up your share during the available time, you must make arrangements with the CSA manager at least one week ahead of time; otherwise your share will be forfeited. If you know you’re going to be out of town, we encourage you to coordinate with family, friends, or neighbors to pick up your share.
Potluck & Orientation This year we’ll kick off the Summer CSA season with an Opening Potluck and Orientation for new and returning members. This gives you a chance to tour the GardenHouse, meet other members, enjoy some food with us, and learn the ins and outs of the CSA. Mark your calendars for Thursday, May 24. We’ll send out more details as the date approaches.
Volunteering We are always excited about extra hands helping in the garden. Throughout the season, there is an endless amount of weeding, planting, harvesting, and other tasks to be done. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering at the GardenHouse, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Kristina Adair, at 517-999-3919 or kristinaa@allenneighborhoodcenter.org.
What Makes Our CSA Special
- You are supporting programs of the Hunter Park GardenHouse. Your CSA membership funds programs that serve our community. We host regular garden education workshops, are open 7 days a week to the public, and serve as a demonstration site for garden, sustainability, and entrepreneurial projects. Our after school and summer youth programs, KidsTime and Youth Service Corps, teach youth job and life skills through community service projects and garden and nutrition education. A significant portion of the CSA revenues are used to support these programs because that’s what we’re all about.
- We are inclusive of our neighbors. We are a CSA as unique as our Eastside neighborhood. We offer multiple payment and work share options to include those who otherwise might not be able to afford membership in a CSA. We are one of a few CSAs in Michigan accepting EBT (Bridge Cards) for payment.
- You pick up at the Allen Neighborhood Center during the Allen Street Farmers Market. Each week you’ll get a chance to enjoy the Allen Street Farmers Market and support other local vendors if there are other items you’d like to purchase. It’s a one-stop shop for all your local food needs. You also get the benefit of using your Bridge Card or credit card at the Market Bank to purchase your CSA share.
What Some of Our Members Are Saying About Our CSA
“I loved the fresh, local produce and company of others.”
“It encourages me to eat healthier because I regularly receive healthy ingredients and a recipe. “
“I like being pushed out of my comfort zone and trying new vegetables.”
“It is great meeting people and learning new things.”
“I enjoy working in the GardenHouse with others interested in local food.”
“I look forward to my ‘meal in a bag’ each week.”
Words of Wisdom CSA is not for everyone. One of the cornerstones of Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is shared risk. “The essence of the relationship,” as Elizabeth Henderson states in Sharing the Harvest, “is the mutual commitment: The people support the farm and share the inherent risks and potential bounty.” Part of the mystique associated with being involved in a CSA comes from the organic uncertainty surrounding the fact that, because of factors beyond our control, we cannot guarantee what exactly will be in your share each week.
If you know that you are not fond of trying new things, or you head out of town every week, or you aren’t up for shared risks, you might be happier just visiting the Allen Street Farmers Market and picking out what you know you’ll use.
So, think about it, discuss it. You are signing a binding contract. Ask questions, ask other CSA members. We want your CSA experience to be a good one and we work hard to insure that it is. With the GardenHouse share we are here, open to chat or hear constructive criticism, issues, problems and work with you to make your CSA experience a positive one.
Thank You for Supporting the Hunter Park GardenHouse! If you have any questions, contact Rita O’Brien at 517-999-3910 or ritao@allenneighborhoodcenter.org.
