What is a CSA?
CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. Each week, CSA members will receive a box of produce with a number of local & seasonal items (8-12 in a full share, 5-7 in a half share). Each month, CSA members opt in to the number and size of shares they want to receive that month, and pay in advance for their shares through our convenient online payment platform. The CSA shares purchased by members generate a stable, guaranteed income for our farmers, overcoming the variability in market sales common at low-income markets. By choosing to purchase your fresh produce through a CSA, you are directly supporting sustainable, small-scale farmers, ensuring a farmers’ market is viable in East Palo Alto, and getting a great deal on organic, local produce!
Who benefits?
Local Farmers
CSAs provide farmers with a steady source of income, even when faced with uncertainties (i.e. a bad growing year).
East Palo Alto Farmers’ Market
Farmers must sell a certain amount of produce to make attending a market worthwhile. The income generated by the CSA helps farmers reach that minimum (and thereby guarantees their attendance at the market on a regular basis).
YOU and the Community
Each week you will receive a box full of fresh, locally grown produce! The community will have access to this same great food at the EPA Farmers’ Market!
What is in a sample share?
The Root Box comes in two sizes, a Full Share and a Half Share. The Full Share contains 8-12 weekly, seasonal items, while a half share contains 5-7 items.
A sample full share:
Broccoli
Spinach
Romaine Lettuce
Kale
White Onions
Rainbow Carrots
Pink Lady Apples
Mandarins
Sweet Potatoes
Garlic
Sweet Peas
Cilantro
What are the specifics?
Pricing: Full Share $25, Half Share $14
Frequency: At the beginning of each month you can select which weeks you would like to receive a share. Going on vacation? No worries–select only the weeks you will be in town to receive your CSA share for the month. Want a mixture of full shares and half shares? Not a problem–customize your order directly with our CSA coordinator (rootbox@collectiveroots.org).
Payment: You can pay online or mail a check for your payment. We ask all members to pay in advance for their shares each month.
Time and Location: Pick-up your box at one of our four convenient pick-up locations:
- EPA Community Farmers Market (1798 Bay Road), from 2-3pm
- Collective Roots Office (1785 Woodland Ave, East Palo Alto), any time after 3:30
- Downtown Palo Alto (1004 Emerson St, Palo Alto), any time after 4:00
- Munger Market, Stanford (555 Salvatierra Walk, Stanford), 4:30-7 pm
Sign up online!
Complete the registration form for the Root Box. Once you have registered and agree to the Root Box Terms of Service, we will follow up with a specific order form for the month. After completing your order, you can submit payment online or mail a check to Collective Roots at PO Box 50784, East Palo Alto, CA 94303. You will receive an email order confirmation, and once you have completed payment you will start receiving your Root Boxes!
Questions? Contact us at rootbox@collectiveroots.org