| 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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