Since farmers markets are not year round, an option for folks who want to eat local can be found in a farm share. The local-grown movement is big in Brooklyn but not so much is currently happening up north in Manhattan. Therefore, we were pleasantly surprised to find out about the Harlem Community Farm Share. So what is a farm share, and what are the benefits? Those involved with a farm shares automatically sets up a relationship with a local farmer by purchasing a share of future crops for the upcoming seasons. As fruit and vegetables ripen for the season, shareholders will get a portion of the the crop that is 100% organic and local grown. Most of the produce in the supermarkets are shipped from destinations as far away as China, so purchasing local grown goods reduces the carbon footprint involved and helps support farmers in the area to keep doing what they do best.
There are subsidized farm shares in addition to the standard cost which is part of the Food Pantry For West Harlem establishment on 252 West 116th Street (right around the corner from FDB). Regular price membership fees are $525 for year. Get more information at the Harlem Community Farm Share website: LINK. Photo by Ulysses
I’m going to check this out.
ReplyDeleteBe aware though, that if the farmer has a bad year due to weather or for whatever reason, you’re outta luck. But I love the idea, just need to see if it is practical for a family of two.
And the price is right too!! I just got back from the Union Square Market and easily spend $50 on a bag of potatoes, beats, onions and some salad that will last us maybe 3 days...so $525 for 28 weeks of organic vegetables sounds amazing...heck, I will also sign up for the fruit share! So happy to have found this!
ReplyDeleteYou are right Sanou's Mum...there is a risk and a surprise factor...but I like the idea of being surprised by a box of different produce every week and supporting local and organic farmers... reminds me of my grandma's garden. I will report back from our experience.
ReplyDeleteWhy don't we start a food co-op? Apparently Park Slope's food co-op is so successful that they keep having to lower their prices. They're also willing to provide expertise to people who want to do one for their own neighborhood.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea - a food co-op would be fantastic.
ReplyDeleteA little Harlem history, Harlem had a food co-op opened in 1968, owned by Harlem residents and started by the attorney Cora T. Walker, I believe located at 147th and 7th .
ReplyDeleteThanks for all your comments on the Harlem Community Farm Share. We encourage anyone interested to explore our website and ask us questions. This is one of my favorite "discoveries" in Harlem and we are so glad to be featured on Harlem Bespoke!
ReplyDeleteKatherine
Communications Coordinator
Harlem Community Farm Share
HarlemCSA at gmail.com
http://harlemcommunityfarmshare.wordpress.com