What is the Turtle Bay CSA?
The Turtle Bay CSA is a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program in mid-town Manhattan that brings fresh, organic, affordable produce to our members while supporting local, sustainable farming practices. We were established in 2010 with guidance from Just Food, but are an independent community organization.

What is a CSA?
A CSA is a mutually beneficial partnership that allows community members to buy vegetables directly from a local farmer.  CSAs offer city-dwellers high quality, locally-grown, affordable produce, while supporting family farms and environmentally sustainable agricultural practices.

Members purchase CSA shares in the winter and early spring.  The share price goes towards the cost of growing and distributing a season’s worth of produce and paying the farmers a living wage.  The advance capital also allows the farmer to purchase seeds, hire labor, and start farming without relying on high interest loans.   An administrative fee covers the CSA’s operating costs.  CSAs aim to be accessible to all.  Subsidized shares and flexible payment plans may be available for those who qualify.

Where do I pick up the share?
Each Tuesday from June through October, members pick up their share of locally grown vegetables between 5-8PM at the Vanderbilt YMCA at 244 E 47th between 2nd and 3rd.   The growing season at Free Bird Farm is 5 months long — all summer through mid-fall.  In 2012, four distribution dates in the fall will be rescheduled as follows:

9/18: changed to Wed., 9/19
9/25: changed to Thurs., 9/27
10/2: changed to Wed., 10/3
10/9: changed to Wed, 10/10

If I can’t make it to distribution, do I need to let you know?
If you are on vacation, working late or for any reason can’t pick up your share, have a friend pick it up. No need to email us in advance. Tell your friend which share items you have, remind them to bring bags, and they can sign in under your name. If your share is not picked up, it will be donated to the YMCA staff for their help in unloading the farm truck, setting up the distribution room and cleaning up.

Is there a work-shift requirement?
Yes. Over the course of the season, each share must commit to work one 2-hour volunteer shift at the distribution site. Shifts will be from 4:30-6:30 and 6:15-8:15.  The requirement is per full vegetable share, not per member, which you will want to note if you are splitting your share with someone.  If you only order poultry or eggs and no veggie share you are still required to work a shift.

Are there special events?
Yes! We believe strongly in CSA as a community effort, and plan several community events over the course of the season.  Previous events have included potlucks, a cocktail demonstration using CSA veggies, and planting flowers in a neighborhood park.  For 2012, we are planning a farm trip in June.

Where does my $15 admin fee go?
$5 of the $15 admin fee is donated to Just Food, for their ongoing support, and for our CSA’s participation in their network. The remaining $10 is used to subsidize transportation for the farm trip, purchase supplies for the CSA (scales, bowls, etc.), for our events (food, paper plates, etc.), and subsidize a limited number of shares for qualifying low-income members.

Who runs the CSA?
The Turtle Bay CSA is administered by volunteer core members. The core group for 2012 is: Cara Wolinsky, Leigh Kusovitsky, Nastsha Sanders, Ruth Giverin, Nicole Kindred, Adam Fischmann, Brittany Wallace, Andrea Lacey, Lucia Hoiden, Nancy Juette, Samia Khan, Alice Nanes, Janice Lohmann.  We are always looking for more help.  If you’d like to participate in administration of the CSA email us!

Please contact us at info at turtlebaycsa dot com with any inquiries.