The deadline to register for Farmshare 2009 has passed. We had a wonderful response to our first offering of a Washington DCJCC, DC Minyan & Orchard Country Produce Community Supported Agriculture (CSA). Almost 80 community members are now shareholders and have pledged in advance to cover the anticipated costs of the farm operation. In return, they will receive shares in the farm's bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction from reconnecting to the land and their food supply.
We all like to think of it as doing good by eating better.

Click here to be put on the waiting list for Farmshare 2010!

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is in a CSA share each week?
A small share in June would include approximately: 1 quart of strawberries, a bunch of rhubarb, 1/2 lb lettuce mix (oak leaf, kale, curly, spinach, mustard, arugula, and others), mint tea, 1 qt sugar peas, 1 pt sugar snap peas, 1 bunch of scallions, 6 Fuji apples and 1/2 lb asparagus. A large share is usually double this amount. We might substitute 1/2 lb spinach instead of double the lettuce mix for variety.

What types of fruits and vegetables does Orchard Country Farm grow?
The variety is endless! Visit http://www.orchcountry.com/ and click on “calendar” to see when particular vegetables and fruits are offered.

Does Orchard Country Farm offer any additional food items?
For an additional fee, the farm can also include bread, jellies, honey, horseradish, eggs, butter, cheese and milk in your share.

How long is your season?
The season runs from early June to mid-October.

How do I pick up my produce?
As a shareholder, you will pick up your produce on Wednesdays, between 5:30-7:30 pm, June 3-Oct. 21 at the Washington DCJCC: 1529 16th Street, NW Washington DC, 20036 (on the Q Street side near the parking lot). The Wednesday following the initial pick up, you will bring your empty produce box with you to “exchange” it for a full box of produce.

What if I go on vacation?
If you go on vacation, you can ask a friend to pick your CSA box up for you. If your box is not picked up from 5:30-7:30 pm, it will be donated to the Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service/Hunger Action program and DC Central Kitchen. It is important to remember that there is NO storage of produce left after pick up time. All produce left unclaimed at 7:30 will be donated. 

What if I don't want a particular item?  What happens to the extra fruits and vegetables?
If you do not want an item in your CSA box that week, you can either donate it or switch the item with another shareholder. All produce left over at the end of the pick up day will be donated to Morris Cafritz Center for Community Service/Hunger Action program and DC Central Kitchen. As mentioned above, it is important to remember that there is NO storage of produce left after pick up time. All produce left unclaimed at 7:30 will be donated.
 

Can shareholders visit the farm? What about programming?
The Washington DCJCC and DC Minyan have planned several programs to supplement the CSA. We are planning a berry picking trip to the farm in mid-summer and a fall festival trip. We also have two learning programs in the works: the first is a speaker devoted to Kashrut, Jewish ethics regarding food, and Shavuot as an agricultural holiday and the other is a “meet the farmer” pick up day.

How can I help out?
We are asking all shareholders to please volunteer one Wednesday during the season to help with drop-off and pick-up. As a volunteer, you will need to be at the Washington DCJCC at 4:30 pm to help set up, and will finish around 8:00 pm. As a bonus for volunteering that day, you get to take home some leftover produce!

Can I try this out for a short time to see if I like it?
Shareholders can subscribe for seven, 14 or 21 week plans. This gives you the flexibility to try the CSA for a short time this year if you want, and when you like it (we know you will!), sign up for a longer plan next year! There are NO refunds for any reason. But if needed, you could try to sell the remainder of your plan(s) to a friend, neighbor, co-worker or family member.

Can I split a large share with someone else?
Yes! We are encouraging our single-person shareholders to split a large, full season share with a friend, co-worker, or roommate. You get a $25 discount this way, and it’s easier for the farm! The produce will come in only one box, so bring a canvas bag as you the shareholders will be responsible for dividing up the produce in your large share.

I want to join! How do I sign up?

The deadline to register for Farmshare 2009 has passed. Click here to be put on the waiting list for Farmshare 2010!