| Here
are the answers to some commonly asked questions about Prairieland CSA
and Moore Family Farm.
What does a share cost?
For 2012, the price for the 18-week season will
be $400, of which $385 of your share goes directly to the Moores.
As always, you may pay in installments by check or via Paypal.
Do I have to buy a cookbook?
Yes. As a new shareholder, you will be assessed
a $16 new member fee to cover the cost of a cookbook that includes
recipes for using your produce, tips for seasonal eating, and basic
information about CSA. In past years, we have used the Madison Area
CSA Coalition Cookbook, From Asparagus
to Zucchini. In 2004, we began using Recipes
from America's Small Farms: Fresh Ideas for the Season's Bounty by
Joanne Hayes. The Moores requested Prairieland CSA members to have
this book and build shares around several of its recipes. If you
are a returning shareholder and would like to purchase this book,
email Anna
Barnes. We have found that the more options we give people for
using their produce and the more information they have about seasonal
eating and the importance of CSAs, the more likely they are to return.
How long is the season?
For 2012, the season runs 18 weeks, from June
6 through October 3, or until the full value of the share is met. This
is shorter than previous years which due to the pattern of cold wet
springs which makes it difficult to bring in sizeable shares in May.
What does a share look like?
These are typical shares from past seasons in August and
in October.
What will my share contain?
While what you receive ultimately depends upon
weather, the Moores will be planting these items for
the upcoming season.
Do I get to pick out which vegetables
I get?
No and yes. Organic farming requires several rotations
of crops to keep weeds and insect pests in check. Being able to plant
what is necessary to maintain the system is key. You will get a wide
variety of produce each week, however, you will not get to choose
which items you receive each week.
That said, if you receive an item you don't want or cannot
use, simply place it in the exchange box at your pickup location and
take something from the box that you will or can use. You will get
to fill out a survey at the end of the year to help the farmers plan
their crop list for the following season.
Where and when do I pick up my share?
Shares are delivered to 701 W Washington St in
Champaign and 714 W Iowa in Urbana for pickup between 4 and 7 pm
every Wednesday during the growing season. If you are in the Watseka
area, you can pick up your share at the farm. You will be assigned
a pickup location prior to the start of the season. Unless you specify
otherwise on your contract, your pickup location will be the one
closest to your home.
Do I have to pick up my share myself?
No, you can have someone else to pick up your
share. Just be sure to have them check your name off the list at
your pickup location.
What happens to my share if it isn't picked
up?
Any shares not picked up go to charitable outreach
organizations in the Champaign-Urbana community. Organizations which
have received PCSA produce include the Center for Women in Transition,
Daily Bread Soup Kitchen, Eastern Illinois Foodbank, Homestead, Matthew
House, Salvation Army, and St. Vincent dePaul, as well as daycare
providers who serve low-income children. In 2011, extra produce went
to the T.I.M.E.S. Center, A Woman's Place, and the Greater Community
Aids Project.
What is a sponsored share?
PCSA's sponsored share program recognizes that
organic produce has historically been out of the financial reach
of many members of our community. Donations from PCSA members, churches,
organizations, and individuals help us provide organic produce free
of charge to families and individuals who would otherwise not be
able to afford it. If you or your organization are interested in
making a donation to the sponsored share program, call 217.355.6279
or email sponsored
shares.
Alternatively, your organization may purchase shares
for mission work or food pantry projects. Such a project is currently
underway at Community
United Church of Christ.
Do you deliver to Chicago?
Due to increased fuel costs, PCSA will not be
expanding to Chicago/Suburban Chicago in the near future. That said,
several families in the Chicago area regularly drive to the farm
to purchase meat, poultry, and eggs. Contact the Moores directly
to learn more about this at 815.432.6238.
Are the Moore's vegetables and meat certified?
No. The Moores use sustainable practices on their
farm. They use no synthetic pesticides or fertilizers and non-GMO
seed. They also use no subtherapeutic antibiotics or growth hormones
in raising their poultry, beef, pork, sheep, and eggs. All are raised
on intensively managed pasture using rotational grazing. On-farm
mixed feeds supplement the diets of the poultry and pork. The remaining
animals are strictly grassfed. For information on the benefits of
grassfeeding see Eat
Wild.
Where can I buy the Moore's meat and poultry?
You can buy it seasonally through Common
Ground Food Co-op in Urbana, Illinois and directly from the farm.
From May through November you can purchase it on Saturdays from the
Moores at the Market
at the Square in Urbana, Illinois. The Moores also sell to buying
clubs in the Chicago metro area througout the year. Please call 815.432.6238
for details.
Where can I buy the Moore's eggs?
Eggs are available at the Market
at the Square in Urbana, Illinois, Common
Ground Food Co-op, as well as the farm. Please call 815.432.6238
for details.
Where is Watseka?
Approximately 65 miles northeast of Champaign-Urbana,
or less than 2 hours south of Chicago.
If you have additional questions, please email for
more information or call 217.355.6279
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