If you’re constantly finding yourself at the local market picking up fresh veggies and fruit, now is the time to sign up for a local fall or winter CSA and actively support your favorite local farm throughout the winter months! These programs allow you to pay a lump of money in advance for a share of the farm’s crops week after week throughout the season. In addition to supplying you with the freshest produce, it gives farmers a bit of extra financial security if the growing season doesn’t pan out exactly as expected. CSAs during the summer are very popular, and an increasing number of farms are adding CSAs throughout the fall and winter, too. Thanks to hoop house and greenhouse innovations, winter CSAs aren’t all tubers and roots; many include tender greens, apples and pears, fresh herbs and even locally made pantry items!
Find the CSA that’s right for you and your family and sign up for local ingredients all fall and winter long.
Red Earth Farm
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Greensgrow Farms
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By signing up for Greensgrow Farms’ winter CSA, you can support local farmers and producers, reduce your carbon footprint and enjoy the bounty of the region from December through April. Instead of just providing veggies, the share mimics the way people cook and eat. You’ll receive a choice of dairy or vegetable protein (milk, eggs, butter, yogurt, tofu or seitan), and your share will also include seasonal fruit, fun specialty-prepared items and a few pantry staples. Greensgrow’s Fresh Food Team searches out and meets with the finest farmers and producers to plan your winter shares. The team even makes adjustments each year in response to the changes in the local food supply and input from members, growers, friends and staff. In each Greensgrow share, you’ll find the best produce and local food items from within 200 miles of Philly. Join before November 17 to be a part of the ever-changing landscape of 100% local food! 2501 E. Cumberland St., Philadelphia; (215) 427-2780, Ext. 5
Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op
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If you join Lancaster Farm Fresh Co-op’s (LFFC’s) prorated fall CSA now, you could start picking up your shares between November 6 and November 11. LFFC’s fall CSA season runs through the week of December 18. These aren’t just shares for veggies—you can also choose from other shares like farm-fresh eggs, locally raised meat, coffee, grains, cheeses, vegan items, herbs and more. Your weekly pickup day and times depend on which pickup location you choose; locations are spread throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia. While you’re enjoying your shares from LFFC, you’ll know everything you receive is certified organic and chemical-free. LFFC is proud of its superlatively high standards for quality produce, effective land management and well-maintained, rich soil. With an LFFC CSA share, you never have to worry about GMOs, harsh chemicals or unethical animal treatment. 201 Running Pump Rd., Lancaster; (717) 656-3533
Pennypack Farm
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Pennypack Farm’s winter CSA is now open! If you’re looking for more of a traditional CSA in Bucks County, this might be the one for you. You’ll get weekly emails with the veggies available for the week; some of the crops you’ll see in your winter share include radishes, sweet potatoes, turnips, herbs, kale and brussels sprouts. You’re also invited to choose add-ons, which are food shares from local farmers that can enhance your Pennypack Farm experience! Members can purchase these add-ons directly from the vendor, but are able to pick up their purchases from Pennypack Farm for a one-stop-shop of local products. Once you purchase a CSA share from Pennypack, you can order these additional products: fruit shares from North Star Orchards; pastured chicken and pork from Ledamete Grass Farm and products from Ambler Mushroom Company. Pickups start weekly on Wednesday, November 16, and run for 15 weeks. 685 Mann Rd., Horsham; (215) 646-3943
Broad Valley Orchard
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Located in the heart of the fruit-growing region of Adams County, Broad Valley Orchard is located on a three-acre farm that grows chemical-free fruit and vegetables. The Broad Valley Orchard CSA has been in operation for eight years, and in that time has been able to supply customers with fresh fruit and vegetables through even the toughest of seasons. It has over 125 fruit trees, over 1,200 feet of various berries, a half-acre or so of vegetable gardens and cold frame greenhouses for extended season growing. Because of demand, Broad Valley Orchard has doubled its capacity to supply greens through the late fall and into winter. By adding more greenhouses, you’ll be able to get the winter CSA share from November 1 until the end of January, weather permitting, of course. Here’s what you can expect in your CSA share: multiple varieties of potatoes, garlic, beets, cabbage, carrots, peas and more. 1934 Wenksville Rd., Biglerville; (717) 677-4131
Piney Mountain Orchard
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Piney Mountain Orchard is a small-scale, certified naturally grown farm located in Gardners, Pennsylvania. Farmer Megan Rulli works hard to provide happy, healthy vegetables to her surrounding communities through farmers markets and CSA shares. Piney Mountain Orchard’s CSA share includes 10 pickups from December through April. These shares include items such as bagged baby greens, bunched full-sized greens, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, carrots, watermelon radishes and turnips. You’ll also receive storage crops such as herbs, garlic, onions, rutabagas, potatoes, sweet potatoes and apples. Pick up is convenient with multiple locations in Dillsburg, Carlisle, Chambersburg, Camp Hill and Gardners. Piney Mountain Orchard’s CSA is designed to give its members a seasonal, local foods experience and real farm connection. You can sign up now for Piney Mountain Orchard’s winter CSA and taste its happy veggies for yourself! 197 Coon Rd., Gardners; (717) 514-4256
Run to your local farm and sign up for a fall or winter CSA! Within no time you’ll be watching your beautiful bounty roll in.
- Featured Photo: Pexels
