I think it’s time for a recap.

I’ve had a few emails in the last two or three days with questions, and I’ve realized that many of the answers are on the blog, but are kind of buried by now.  So, how about a quick summary?

Cool Beans CSA is a partnership between two farmers, Judi and Katie, and their respective farms – Judi has a huge farm in Duncannon, one mile from 11&15, and Katie’s is smaller, on Stoney Creek in Dauphin. We’re vendors at a producer’s-only outdoor market in Carlisle in the summer, and we bring a lot of experience and energy to this project.

We’ll be providing 25 weeks’ worth of fresh, organically grown veg (and some extras) beginning May 14.  There’s one week off in late August, and we’ll wrap up the season in early November.

We are planting everything.  Everything.  Not everything will succeed, that’s the nature of farming.  But we’re hedging our bets with as much variety as possible.

A full share costs $500.  That’s what we recommend for families and for couples who like veg.   Here’s what you’ll get for that price:

—  roughly $22 worth of goodies per week, with the first few weeks being lighter as the season gets underway.   (we’re bumping you up by ten percent right off the bat!)  If you think of what you can spend at a local organic market, you can see that a full share isn’t going to overwhelm you.

— recipes for your produce.  (Contributions to the on-line recipe file will be welcome.  We see this as a collaborative effort.)

— a 5% discount at our farmer’s market stand in Carlisle, and also at the farm stands on our own farms.

— egg shares are available; more information is in the contract.

— contingent on members’ interest, we can offer beef, pork, chicken, goat and turkey.  You can also buy freshly ground whole wheat grown on Judi’s farm.

— we’ll post a list of what extras might be available early each week, so you can buy in bulk if you’d like to do any canning or freezing.

—  members will be able to attend our workshops at a reduced rate.  We’re planning workshops on food preservation, soapmaking, breadmaking, beer-brewing, and more!

—  social events, parties, and optional work sessions will be scheduled throughout the season.

A half share is $275 and is half the amount of food of a full share; a quarter share is $150 (only two of those left) and is one quarter of the full share.  Even though we make more money on the partial shares, we recommend that you split a full share with a friend rather than buying a smaller share if possible – it’s a better value for you and gives you more flexibility.

We aren’t posting a deadline since it’s our first year and the word’s just getting out, but shares are selling quickly, and it’s in your best interest to sign up soon!  Once our target number is reached, memberships will close for the season.  You can make payments on the total – you’ll find information by clicking on the link above to the contract.

There are four options for pickup / delivery:

— Judi’s farm in Duncannon, Friday late afternoon / early evening

—Katie’s farm in Dauphin, Friday late afternoon / early evening

—a member’s home in Camp Hill, near the library, Fridays after 3:30

— a THURSDAY pickup in a parking lot off of 81 and Progress, 4:00 to 5:30 pm

If you have the time, scroll through the blog entries and you’ll be able to learn more about the evolution of the Cool Beans CSA.

Finally, and possibly most importantly, we will respond to your questions and concerns as soon as possible – just use the contact link above.

katie