How does the CSA Program Work?

In ideal seasons, your produce shares will be bountiful, but if or when the weather is less than ideal, crops may not be as plentiful so your shares may be lighter. The per share price is determined by growing costs before the growing season. This agreement to share the risk and harvest together is the foundation of any CSA Subscription Program.

We plan on providing you a share with a value of approximately $33 per week for a large crate share and a value of approximately $16 per week for a small box share. If we feel that the box is lacking in value due to poor growing or situations beyond our control, we will add flowers, eggs, and other fun items to your share. Surprise gifts will also be included!

When do the veggie pick-ups begin?

We plan to begin on July 11th and go for 12 weeks (ending on September 26th) with the 13th week being a make up week (October 3rd).

Should I get a large crate or small box?

The large crate (5-7 vegetables) will be best for families and the small box (3-5 vegetables) will be perfect for 1-2 people. Early in the growing season you may receive a smaller amount of produce compared to later in the season when it really begin to take off!

When checking out, I noticed a 6-Week Group A and 6-Week Group B. What is the difference?

The members in Group A will alternate with the members in Group B. So each group will be every other week. We will let you know in the weekly newsletter if the pick-up week is for Group A or B. When checking out you are able to view the pick-up weeks on the form so choose the group that you think would work best for you!

Do I get to pick out what I want each week for my box?

We choose to provide our customers with a traditional CSA pick-up. Your share is harvested and packed for you all ready to go! This makes the experience fun as you look forward to what you may be getting each week! A newsletter will go out providing you with the items that you will be receiving. You may order any additional items on the website if you would like it added to your order at pick-up.

What can I possibly look forward to being in my share?

To help answer this, we will be creating a Vegetable Harvest Calendar for our subscribers. This PDF will give you a good idea of our plan for what will go into your box each week. This will not be completely accurate as we don't know the exact rate at which our produce will grow and how the weather will also affect that. However, it will show you the produce that we will have available and what you can look forward to! We also will be sending you weekly newsletters so you can meal plan for the upcoming produce you will be receiving for that week!

Here is a list of what we are growing this 2024 season!

Artichoke, Arugula, Beans, Beets, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumber, Dandelion Greens, Eggplant, Garlic, Green Beans, Lettuce, Cantaloupe, Onion, Parsley, Peas, Radish, Rosemary, Spinach, Summer Squash, Winter Squash, Sweet Potatoes, Thyme, Tomatoes, Watermelon, Zucchini, Bok Choy, Kale, Kohlrabi, Potatoes, Sweet and Hot Peppers, Rhubarb, Basil, Cilantro, Sage, Oregano, and Spearmint.

What if I go on vacation and have to miss my box pick-up? What happens if I miss my box? Can I get it later?

Vacation?

Yes, we provide our 13th week as a make-up week for these occasions. You will be able to pick up your missed week on October 3rd, 2024.

Can’t make the time pick-up due to work, sports, or just life in general?

Here are some options that you can talk over with us:

• A friend or family member picks up your box for you

• You donate your week share to the local food bank or family in need. We will take care of this for you.

Can I send someone else to pick up my share if I can’t be there?

Yes! If you cannot pick up your share, simply send a substitute! All they have to do is give us your name. Your substitute will not be allowed to take home the crate - just the produce inside, so let them know to bring some bags to transfer the produce into.

What do I do in case of inclement weather on pick up day?

We define “inclement weather” as a severe thunderstorm, hail, tornado warning, and lightening storms - anything that would prevent us from standing outside. If it’s too dangerous to leave your house, please stay home. If you come to the pick up site and we are not there, you can assume we have headed for shelter. We will contact you via email with information on how to receive your produce.

How will I know what to do with the items in my share?

We will provide you with meal ideas and storage recommendations throughout the season! We would also love it if you share with us how you are using your produce throughout the season. We will be learning and growing together!

How do I pick up my share?

At the beginning of the season, we will provide you with a crate or container for your share. The next time you come for pick-up, we will switch it out for another one. We ask that you bring back your crate or container each week. If you have leftover items that are past their prime you can put those items in the crate you are returning that week, and we will feed them to our feathered-friends or compost them for you. It’s a win-win!

Where are you located for pick-up?

We are located in south Bloomington. You can easily get to our farm from South Main or off Route 150. More specific directions will be given before your first pick-up day.

Roots Ranch Farm

601 Wren Rd.

Bloomington, IL 61704