We are delighted to be embarking upon our sixth year of supplying veggies from Roxbury Farm to Central Harlem and want to take a moment to reflect on the evolution of our CSA. At seventy members we are larger than we have ever been, growing steadily since our initial year of about 35 members. In fact, we may be at a maximum, since Roxbury Farm cannot indefinitely support more members—you can read in their newsletter. The interest in our CSA certainly has grown; this is the first year that we have had to close our membership before the season begins. Thanks to all of our returning, committed members and to our new members for giving us a try. We hope that no one will be disappointed, but please, as the season goes on feel free to sing praises and to voice your concerns.

Central Harlem CSA was conceived thanks to the foresight and support of Dr. Sandye Johnson, Principal of the Thurgood Marshall Academy, the school that has graciously hosted us since our inception. Central Harlem CSA has become a success through the support of Dr. Johnson, the work of Just Food, the non-profit organization here in NYC that is the “parent organization” of CSAs, our core-group members, and the volunteer work of all of our members. We have developed in accord with the needs and abilities of our members. Community Supported Agriculture groups share some basic tenets, but the practicalities and approaches of each group are different. All CSAs provide a direct means of purchasing a pre-established amount of fresh produce directly from a farmer, but the structure of volunteer work, pricing, and administration of the CSA are logistics that vary between groups. Central Harlem CSA is unique among the Roxbury Farm CSAs (there are five in NYC, six in Albany, two in Columbia County and six in Westchester). We are the only Roxbury Farm CSA that has an income sensitive, three-tiered pricing structure. We believe in the importance of this system to make the benefits of the CSA available to everyone in our community. We are also the only Roxbury Farm CSA that solely administers our own membership. The other CSAs are administered through the farm. We are fortunate to have five committed volunteer core members that share the responsibilities of member recruitment, financial administration, website administration, outreach, and distribution management.

Central Harlem CSA has relationships with other organizations that have greatly contributed to our success. This year we are especially pleased to have received a grant through Just Food from New York Community Trust, which enabled us to lower the share cost for ten of our members! Last year we began to work with a cooperative of upstate New York meat and dairy farmers—CSA Pastured Meat and Poultry—to expand the range of products available to us. They delivered to us all winter long, and we will continue to work with them this season. If you are interested in ordering grass-fed, sustainable pork, lamb, beef, chicken, duck, or eggs, as well as cheeses, yogurt, bread, maple syrup, honey or jam, consult the information on the back about placing orders.

This year we hope to have pot-lucks, a farm trip and whatever other events you can think of. Don’t be shy; if you have an idea for the CSA, let us know! Also, if you are interested in doing more, join the core group. Remember, Central Harlem CSA is a reflection of the interests and abilities of us all!

Cheers to an abundant 2007 season!

Nancy and Alan Brown of Lewis Waite Farm in Jackson, NY organize a cooperative of farmers named CSA Pastured Meat and Poultry. These farmers are committed to ecological and humane agricultural practices; you can read more about them on the website listed below. Nancy and Alan will take individual orders from you and make deliveries to our Thursday distribution once per month. It is up to you to place your order via web, fax, or phone by the Saturday before the Thursday distribution. Bring a check to the distribution made out to CSA Pastured Meat and Poultry in the amount you owe (invoices will be sent with the deliveries). Meats come frozen, packed in insulated containers. The website can be a little tricky for ordering, so follow these instructions carefully to place your order:

1. Go to: http://www.csapasturedmeatandpoultry.com
2. Click button “CSA Member Login”
3. First time users login with Central Harlem, password Thurgood, and select Central Harlem from the pull down menu. Set up your member profile, personal login and password.
4. To place an order, select the link “Place an Order”
5. Order forms are organized according to product type in the pull down menu “Select a Product”; choose what type of product you are interested in to see the selection.
6. Type in the quantity of each item you would like and click “Add” to place in your shopping cart.
7. When you are done shopping, click “Check Out” on the main Place An Order page.
8. You must click “Complete My Order” for your order to go through. You will know that your order has been received because you will be sent an email message instantly, so if you are in doubt, check your email!

If you prefer to order by phone or fax, contact Nancy by phone at 518-692-3120 or 518-692-9208 or by fax 518-692-3120.

Delivery Schedule
6/21, place order by 6/16
7/12, place order by 7/5
8/9, place order by 8/4
9/13, place order by 9/8
10/11, place order by 10/6