What is a CSA?
CSA stands for community supported agriculture. It is a way to support a local farm by helping the farmer with the costs at the beginning of the agricultural season (like purchasing seeds) without the need for high-cost loans. It also gives the farmer a secure source of income in case of a bad year. A CSA member becomes a shareholder in the risk and benefits of farming. CSAs help ensure the viability of local agricultural production. Local agriculture is better for the environment, the regional economy, and provides you with fresher, more nutritious produce! To join the CBCSA, visit our membership page.
CSAs are a new and quickly growing business model for farmers and consumers. It is similar to a community-based buying club. CSAs started in Japan in the 1960s where they are called tekei, which roughly translates to “food with the farmer’s face on it.” The model was brought to the U.S. by a farmer studying “food guilds” in Switzerland in the 1980s. According to localharvest.org, there are now about 3,000 CSAs in the U.S. Just Food, a New York City non-profit, estimates there are more than 100 CSAs in NYC alone.
By joining this CSA, you will get the freshest, most nutritious vegetables you can get without growing them yourself. You will receive vegetables that are in season and at the peak of their flavor. You will also start a relationship with the people growing your food, which means that the farmer and the consumer connect on more than just a business transaction level.
A CSA doesn’t work for everyone. There are a few factors to account for before joining:
- The cost of the CSA We try to make the CSA accessible to people from all income levels by offering a variety of different payment plans.
- Timing and time commitment The pick-up day and time must work for you or someone in your household. Included in this time commitment is the volunteer requirement. The CSA depends on members volunteering their time towards CSA operations.
- The amount of vegetables This depends on the amount of vegetables you eat and are ready to prepare. Most CSA members report that they increased the number of vegetables they would normally eat, which is a great thing! CSA organizers write a newsletter every week, which will include ways of preserving and preparing your share, to make sure you get the most out of your CSA share. Your fellow members may have advice about how to prepare different vegetables also; just ask at pick-up!
About CBCSA in Your Language
When is the distribution?
Every Thursday from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
For the 2023 season, distribution begins Thursday, June 1st and will run for a 22-week season. The last distribution of the summer season will be October 26th.
Where is the distribution?
Hebron SDA Church
1256 Dean Street
(Entrance on New York Avenue)
Brooklyn, NY 11216
Nearest subways are A/C and the 3, at Nostrand Ave. Nearby buses are the B65 and B45.
Please be courteous of the Hebron SDA beliefs and community.
- no pets inside the church
- no alcohol on the premises
What if I cannot make it to distribution?
You are required to pick up your share at every designated distribution time. If you cannot make it, please find a family member or friend or a fellow CSA member to pick up your share. Any food that is not picked up will be donated to the Hebron SDA Church food pantry and soup kitchen. You will not be refunded or compensated for any missed share and if you are a half share member who picks up every other week, you cannot pick up on a week that you are not scheduled to. We ask that you please respect these conditions.
What is the time commitment?
This is a member-run volunteer organization. Volunteers are important for helping us set-up and making sure each shift runs smoothly when it gets busy. We are asking for at least one person to volunteer with the core group members each week.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring a bag to carry your share home. Or two or three!
Central Brooklyn CSA 