New CSA in the works for LIC
22 Jan
If you’ve walked around the neighborhood recently you’ve noticed ads that ask your need of fresh food in your life. Well, if you’re into CSA’s (or Community Supported Agriculture), then you’re going to love this news.
First of all, for those who don’t understand what a CSA is, it’s pretty much when a whole bunch of people subsidize a farm (in upstate NY) that grows veggies and fruits and during the warmer months of harvest brings you your share to enjoy. Some are certified organic, some are as close to organic as you can get. What’s great is that you learn about what’s in season and you can’t get fresher produce than this (unless you lived on the farm).
Many of us in Hunters Point have had to travel all the way to 37th Ave. to pick up our share for the current Long Island City CSA. As much as they’ve tried, they haven’t been able to get conveniently closer to a subway stop. Fortunately it hasn’t deterred membership, but it’s probably turned some people off.
The good news is that there is a new organization that is trying to bring a CSA into Hunters Point. They are currently looking for a farmer to work with and have many eager members hoping it will come to fruition:
- Our distribution site will provide easy access for Hunters Point residents (no further North than Queens Plaza South, no further East than Jackson Avenue or Skillman Avenue).
- CSA seasons in NYC generally run from June through November, with one pickup per week.
- Full shares for the entire season can range from $400 (sometimes less) to $600. We would also like to to provide half shares and/or payment options like sliding scale, installments, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), etc.
- CSA membership usually requires one volunteer shift per season — generally a couple hours on distribution day.
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Most farmers coordinate 1-2 farm visits per season. (Speaking from experience, these are super fun.)
This would be fantastic! My husband and I have enjoyed participating in the LIC CSA for the most part, but the location makes pick-ups and volunteering challenging and inconvenient. If there is a venue, like a petition or something, to show interest/support for a CSA in the Hunter’s Point area, we would love to sign.
We totally agree. We participated in the LIC CSA but the location was too far away in the end. For us personally, queens plaza south pick is no better than LIC CSA at “Hour Children”. For us to participate it MUST be in Hunters Point (jackson ave west and south of 45th(or so). Maybe St.Mary’s will (finally) be open to this. LIC CSA tried, but no luck.
Great news!