PILGRIMS’ PRODUCE CSA PROGRAM
1568 Eagle Rock Rd. Armstrong, B.C., VOE IB7 250 - 546 - 3669
Cell: 250 -309 -1328
If you want to eat fresh, locally grown, organic vegetables and fruits, the CSA may be the program for you! Community Supported Agriculture directly links growers and consumers. It provides the consumer with the best local organic produce without any middlemen. It helps the farmer by providing payment in advance and by guaranteeing a market for some of his produce.
WHO ARE WE?
Robert Hettler, B.Sc in Agriculture, and Kathryn Hettler, B.Ed. Since 1991 we have been farming 10+ acres below Eagle Rock in Spallumcheen, growing up to 40 different organic vegetables as well as strawberries, raspberries, and plums. In 2006 and 2007, we planted other berries, cherries, plums and nuts. We have 6 “high tunnels” which allow us to grow earlier in the spring. We are certified by the North Okanagan Organic Association and are inspected each year to verify we are following strict organic standards.
WHY SUPPORT LOCAL ORGANIC?
Your decision to direct your food dollars to a local organic farm has far reaching, positive influences for your family, your community and the planet. By joining a CSA, you are saying NO to pesticides and multinational agri businesses, and saying YES to:
- fresh, safe, healthy, local, organic food
- sustainable, ecologically responsible agriculture
- a seasonal diet
- increases local food security
- builds community by connecting you with the people who grow your food
WHAT’S IN THE WEEKLY BOX?
Whatever we grow here and is ready to harvest! As the season progresses, you’ll enjoy fresh spring greens, salad turnips, baby carrots, shelling peas, strawberries, beans, broccoli, cherries, potatoes, cucumbers, tomatoes, raspberries, corn, plums, squash, cabbage, leeks, and more. Due to the weather and crop rotations, every year is unique.
Planting has begun in our greenhouses so it's time to sign up for this year’s CSA. The weekly boxes of our organic produce will again run for 5 months, from May 11th until October 5, 2010, but this year the amount of food will vary to better reflect the number of choices during the season. The feedback we received from you last year showed that most members would welcome more variety in July and August when we have so many choices, not only different vegetables, but also more fruits.
So the Basic share of produce will just be a $12 value the first two weeks, $14 value the next 2 weeks, $16 the next 4 weeks, $20 each week in July and August, then back to $16 for September and October boxes. Plus 50 cents/week for newsletter costs.
The Family box will be worth $15 the first two weeks, $20 the next two weeks, $24 the next four weeks, $30 throughout July and August, then back to $24 the last 5 weeks. Plus 50 cents per week for newsletter costs.
Pick-up will again be on Tuesday afternoons at the farm cooler after 12 noon or, for an extra $1 charge per week, in Vernon south of The Boys’ and Girls’ Club (35 Ave & 33 St.) between 4 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
Our E-mail newsletter will go out every Monday afternoon to tell you the contents of your box and what extra items you can order, plus recipes, news or photos from our farm, and sometimes an article related to food and agriculture.
EVENTS: We plan to continue our annual Strawberry Social in late June and would gladly host other social events if any members have ideas.