Summer may be coming to an end, but local produce doesn’t have to. The Philadelphia region is sprouting with Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs that will keep your home stocked with fresh, organic veggies all autumn long.
Here’s how it works: After purchasing a “share” of a farm’s harvest, you get a box of produce delivered to a pick-up location near you year round. In most cases, home delivery is available for an extra fee. You can opt for weekly or bi-weekly deliveries, and programs generally run from the summer into the fall. We’ve rounded up some of the this city’s best fall CSA programs, but hurry – spaces are limited and if you wait too long you may just miss your chance.
Crawford Organics
Fall season runs from September to December.
What You Get: A weekly box with an assortment of in-season vegetables. Each box contains eight items on average, feeding around 2-4 people. While lettuce will be available in every box, leafy greens, potatoes, winter squash, sweet potatoes, turnips, and brassicas (broccoli, cauliflower, etc.) will become more readily available as fall approaches.
Pickup Locations: 1424 South Street; Saxby’s Rittenhouse (2000 Walnut St); Society Hill Towers (275 St James Place); Meadow Run Farm (727 Rettew Mill Rd).
Cost: Vegetable Share $561/18 weeks or $297/9 weeks.
Wilmer’s Organic
Fall season runs from September to November.
What You Get: Wilmer’s Organic offers only one size vegetable share, which includes an average of nine items. Shares can be delivered on either a weekly or a biweekly basis. Common fall crops include: arugula, red beets, bok choi, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, collards, celery, chard, cilantro, fennel, garlic, squash, sweet potatoes, and more.
Pickup Locations: Center City (8th and Locust); Northern Liberties (one block from 3rd and Girard); Fairmount (2601 Parkway Condominiums, 2601 Pennsylvania Ave); Pollock’s Herb and Vitamin Center (5925 N Broad St); South Philadelphia (near 13th & Passyunk); West Philadelphia (near 47th and Baltimore Ave).
Cost: $372/weekly share, and $186/biweekly share. Pay as you go options are also available for $30- $36 a box.
Lancaster Farm Fresh Cooperative
Fall season begins in November and runs for eight consecutive weeks.
What You Get: You will find 11-12 varieties of veggies in a large share (ideal for families), 6-7 varieties in a medium share, and four varieties in a small share. Shares are delivered on a weekly basis. Seasonal fall vegetables include: broccoli, Brussels sprouts, potatoes, cabbage, winter squash, kale, chard, mushrooms, carrots, spinach, arugula, garlic, collard greens, beets, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and more.
Pickup Locations: Over 60 pickup locations throughout the region.
Cost: $255/large share and $169/medium share. Fruit, cheese, bread, meat, and egg shares are also available for an additional fee.
Philly Foodworks
Rolling share runs through end of October.
What You Get: Small shares are ideal for 2-4 people, and include six vegetables and 1-3 varieties of fruit. Large shares are ideal for a family of four. Seasonal fall crops include: potatoes, arugula, cabbage, butternut squash, kale, pears, and apples. Shares are delivered on a weekly basis, with the opportunity to add or remove items each time.
Pickup Locations: Multiple pickup locations throughout the city. Home delivery is also available for an additional $5 fee.
Cost: $30/week for a small share, $40/week for a large share. Cheese, bread, meat, yogurt, and egg shares are also available for an additional fee.
Jack’s Farm
Pay-as-you-go until mid-December.
What You Get: The perfect CSA program for those who don’t want to be tied down, Jack’s is completely pay-as-you-go. Each week you’ll receive an e-mail listing the produce that will be in that specific share. If you like what you see, simply reply to the e-mail before the deadline and place your order. Each share contains 5-15 items and is priced accordingly.
Pickup Locations: Catch & Release Merchants (1832 Frankford Ave) or at the farm in Pottstown
Cost: $20-$40/share based on the number of items included.
Whether you’re living on your own or feeding a family of four, there’s a CSA program out there that’s bound to fit your produce needs. What better way to enjoy farm-to-table produce right here in the city? Don’t let the change of seasons keep you from eating local.}