What is community supported agriculture or a CSA?

A CSA (stands for community supported agriculture) is a model of farming that involves members buying shares at the beginning of each growing season. Each member pays in advance for a box of produce delivered to the drop site weekly or every other week for approximately 16 weeks, no-middle-person, fresh from the farm, picked within 24-48 hours! This model of farming is wonderful for the farmers as it connects local farmers directly with their community members, provides a known source of funds for the season and gives the farmers a way to predict the expected amount needed for harvest. CSA members enjoy fresh produce and the opportunity to get to know their local farmer, learn about small scale organic production systems and invest in the local economy. 

This year we will be working with Lil' Starts Farm, based in Portland, OR.  Lil Starts Farm is excited to partner with OHSU Farmers Market and offer a CSA pickup at the weekly market. Members sign up for a weekly or bi-weekly vegetable subscription grown and harvested by our little team of farmers. Lil Starts is a local, family farm with growing space in NE Portland and Orient. Wife/husband owners Lillian Matlock and Luke Klimaszewski and the small team at Lil Starts use organic and sustainable practices to produce clean, fresh, nutrient dense veggies. 

You can expect 8-12 types of vegetables in every CSA share. There will be a rotating, seasonal mix of lettuce, carrots, Swiss chard, broccoli, cabbage, radish, peas, beans, summer squash, beets, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, dill, cilantro, onions, garlic, eggplant and so much more!

$250 Bi-Weekly 9 shares, pickup every other Tuesday June-September 

$465 Weekly Share, 17 shares, runs every Tuesday June-September 

To sign up for a share to be picked up at the OHSU Farmers market, please fill out their form. Memberships are limited and will likely fill up by mid-March, but you can always visit their website for more info. 

For more information on CSAs in general (as there are MANY in the Portland area.. and you might find one near your home that you prefer), please look at the regional CSA website for information.

The OHSU Farmers Market is on board with the trend in reducing single waste plastics from our landfills.

We are aiming for a durable dish program this year.. stay tuned!