11 ways to get farm-fresh produce, support local gardens
Whether you want to eat a healthier diet, simplify your grocery shopping or just support local farms, a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program may be right for you.
You'll generally pay an upfront cost in spring in exchange for a weekly "share" of that farm's produce throughout the growing season. Although definitions vary, a full share is generally tailored for a family of four or more, while half shares are designed for smaller households.
As an alternative, services like Basic Roots Community Foods, Green BEAN Delivery and Hoosier Harvest Market offer products from a variety of farms.
If you're thinking of joining a CSA this season, here are 11 local options to get you started.
Arlington Farms and Distelrath Farms
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from May to October (18 to 21 weeks, depending on weather)
Price: Options include full shares ($595), half shares ($395) and one-month shares ($135).
Pickup: Wednesdays at Magic Candle (203 S. Audubon) and Community Hospital East (1500 N. Ritter Ave.); Saturdays at Distelrath Farms (6302 E. Raymond St.)
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.arlingtonfarms.com
Basic Roots Community Foods
Basic info: Offers year-round monthly delivery of produce and eggs from dozens of local growers. The deluxe subscription also includes meat, dairy products, grains and other products.
Price: Summer prices are $45 (half share) and $60 (full share) per delivery. Winter prices are $60 (half share) and $75 (full share) per delivery. Add $30 for the deluxe option.
Pickup: Home delivery
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.basicrootscommunityfoods.kaysue.org
Big City Farms
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from June to October (22 weeks)
Price: $550 per share
Pickup: Mondays at Midland Arts and Antiques Market (907 E. Michigan St.); Fridays at Perk Up Coffee (6536 Cornell Ave.). The Smoking Goose pick-up option on Fridays is sold out.
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.bigcityfarmsindy.com
Green BEAN Delivery
Basic info: Offers year-round weekly delivery of local produce and a large selection of natural groceries. The website lets users customize the items they receive and add extras as needed.
Price: Varies by bin size and product selections. The minimum order is $35.
Pickup: Home delivery
Sustainability: Varies by product. All products are labeled as certified organic, sustainably grown or conventional.
Contact:www.greenbeandelivery.com
Growing Places Indy
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from June 11 to July 2 and from July 16 to Aug. 20 (10 weeks total)
Price: $185 per share; package prices of $235 and $285 include a donation for farm operations
Pickup: Wednesdays at Wishard Slow Food Garden at White River State Park (801 W. Washington St.)
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.growingplacesindy.org/csa
Harvestland Farm (Aspire Indiana)
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from June to October (22 weeks)
Price: Options include single shares ($390) and double shares ($660).
Pickup: Wednesdays at Locally Grown Gardens (1050 E. 54th St.); Thursdays at Harvestland Farm (6775 W. State Road 32, Anderson) and Aspire Carmel (697 Pro-Med Lane); Saturdays at Broad Ripple Farmers Market (1115 Broad Ripple Ave.). Pickup locations in Fishers and Noblesville (both Thursdays) are to be determined.
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.yourmarketgarden.org
Hoosier Harvest Market
Basic info: Structured as a nonprofit co-op, with more than 30 member farms. Year-round weekly orders can include produce, meat, eggs, dairy products, grains and more. The website lets users customize the items they receive and add extras as needed.
Price: Varies by product selection. The minimum order is $50.
Pickup: Thursdays at four locations in Marion County and six locations in Hancock County
Sustainability: Varies by farmer; all items are marked as sustainable or conventional
Contact:www.hoosierharvestmarket.com
Irvington CSA
Basic info: Provides weekly shares from May to October (25 weeks), with produce and other items from an Amish farm in Montezuma, Ind.
Price: $550 per share, plus $100 transportation fee
Pickup: Fridays at a private residence in Irvington
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.irvingtoncsa.com
Miller's Garden CSA
Basic info: Provides weekly shares from May to October (25 weeks), with produce and other items from an Amish farm in Rockville, Ind.
Price: Options include full shares ($550) and half shares ($345), plus a $110 transportation fee.
Pickup: Wednesdays and Fridays at a private residence in Carmel
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.indianapoliscsa.com
South Circle Farm
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from May to October (23 weeks)
Price: $550 per share
Pickup: Thursdays at the farm (2048 S. Meridian St.)
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.southcirclefarm.com
Valentine Hill Farm
Basic info: Provides weekly shares of produce from June to October (20 weeks)
Price: Options include small shares ($370) and large shares ($550). Add $70 for shares that include organic baked goods.
Pickup: Wednesdays at City Market (222 E. Market St.); Fridays at Farm to Fork Market at Normandy Farms (7802 Marsh Road); Saturdays at Broad Ripple Farmers Market (1115 Broad Ripple Ave.)
Sustainability: Not certified organic but follows sustainable practices
Contact:www.valentinehillfarm.com