TOO GOOD TO PASS UP: VFF’S FLEXIBLE DEBIT-STYLE CSA
Unfortunately, many people don’t understand what a CSA is and those who do know what it is quickly assume ours is exactly what it’s not…
a box full of veggies you can’t even identify. Nope, it’s not that.
So take a moment to read this and we promise you…that ‘aha’ moment will make you come marching over to the farm store for your CSA card.
Or you could do it right now from where you are:
Also of note: Now-February 18th, we are offering a complementary blanket to the first 10 customers who invest in a $700 CSA. Our VFF blankets are perfect for any occasion and we love when you bring them to our agritouism activties!
50"x60" premium fleece blankets; decorated on one side and soft gray fleece on the back with a sweet Vernon Family Farm logo
When we first started our CSA program, it was the first of it’s kind in our area.
Jeremiah is and always has been an extremely progressive thinker and something that was really important to both of us was figuring out how to get our community of supporters involved in a deeper, more meaningful way. Our CSA isn't just a program; it's a commitment to nourishing the land where food for the community is grown and raised honestly.
WHAT DOES CSA MEAN?
CSA, or Community Supported Agriculture, is essentially a partnership between local farmers and their community. In this sustainable model, individuals invest in a farm's seasonal harvest upfront, creating a direct link between producers and consumers. Traditionally, shareholders receive a portion of the farm's bounty regularly, celebrating the diversity of freshly harvested products.
CSAs fosters a sense of community, as members actively participate in the agricultural process while supporting local, small-scale farming. This mutual commitment not only ensures access to vibrant, locally grown foods but also nurtures a deeper understanding of the seasonal rhythms and challenges inherent in sustainable agriculture. In the past, our customers have helped with side farm projects, volunteered, planted/harvested garlic and more.
EMBRACING FLEXIBILITY IN FARMING: THE DEBIT-STYLE ADVANTAGE
At Vernon Family Farm, we understand that one size does not fit all, especially when it comes to your culinary preferences. Our CSA is not a pre-determined box full of veggies or foods we have extra of…
Enter our debit-style CSA—a revolutionary concept that provides you with unparalleled flexibility. Unlike traditional CSAs that lock you into predetermined shares (which are great for certain customers and styles), our debit-style approach empowers you to curate your own farm-fresh experience.
The mechanics of how this works is simple yet revolutionary. Purchase a CSA card with an investment of your choosing, and watch the magic unfold:
Invest $300 and receive $18 extra, a generous 6% match!
Invest $500 and receive $45 extra, an impressive 9% match!
Invest $700 and receive $84 extra, a substantial 12% match!
The match that is added to your Vernon Family Farm debit card is essentially free dollars for you to spend on whatever you want at the farm store or at our farmer’s market stand!
This is more than just a transaction; it's an investment in the abundance of locally sourced, high-quality produce and meats. Your CSA card never expires, allowing you to use it throughout the year. Simply top it up whenever you need to, and it becomes your passport to fresh, local goodness whenever the craving strikes.
The Farm Store Experience: A Culinary Adventure Awaits
Our farm store stands as a testament to the commitment we have to providing you with the best. Nestled on the farm, it's more than just a store; it's a sanctuary of farm-fresh treasures. Open Wednesday-Sunday from 9am-6pm, year round, our store is a one-stop-shop for your grocery needs, stocked with our own products and those from 30+ local farms.
Imagine walking into the blacksmith shop converted farm store, surrounded by the fragrance of fresh produce, pastured meats, and an assortment of goods from neighboring farms. It's an experience that transcends the ordinary grocery run—it's a celebration of community, sustainability, and the shared joy of supporting local agriculture.
THE DEVIL OF ALL FIRST-GENERATION FARMS: Cash Flow
It’s probably pretty obvious why investing in a CSA is a good thing for the customer but what about the farm/farmer? How does your CSA contribution benefit the farm?
Behind the scenes of our farm journey lies the biggest obstacle of every first-generation working farm: the challenge of cash flow. Unlike established farms, first-generation farms often grapple with the financial strains of high expenses—processing, equipment, payroll, and other operational costs. This struggle is real, and it's a hurdle that can make or break the dreams of a farm.
This is where our debit-style CSA becomes a beacon of hope. Your commitment, in the form of a flexible debit-style investment, provides us with a steady and reliable cash flow. It's not just a purchase; it's a lifeline that allows us to plan, invest, and navigate the uncertainties of farming with greater resilience. By supporting our CSA, you become a key player in the sustainability of our operations, ensuring that the fields continue to thrive, and the bounty keeps flowing.
Investing in the Community:
A NEW OPPORTUNITY
Our CSA is an investment in a community that cherishes the values of sustainable living. By choosing to participate, you contribute to the broader narrative of local agriculture.
Now (February 2024), we are excited to share the soft launch of our Local Food For All Donation Program. We believe that everyone should be able to enjoy local food. We are also aware that the price of local food may make this difficult for some food insecure folks.
Customers who purchase a CSA now have the choice of donating their match ($18, $45, $84) to people in our community suffering from food insecurity. It’s the same flexible CSA program that Vernon Family Farm offers but instead of adding the match to your card, we add the donated value on a community gift card that stays at the store.
EBT participants just need to present their EBT card to then be eligible to utilize up to $15 from the donation card toward their purchase that day. Eligible EBT participants are welcome to use $15 per week.
We would be remiss to mention that at this time, we do not have an EBT machine (we are working on it) but we do accept SNAP coins and Market Match coupons through Seacoast Eat Local.
**DISCLAIMER: Please be patient with us as we know this new opportunity may present some unforeseen learning moments. We are doing our best to do good and do better. If you are an EBT customers looking to take advantage of this program, we encourage you to call the farm store with any questions. We are slowly building up our community card with funds that our CSA community members have graciously donated.
As you consider joining our CSA, remember that you're not just subscribing to a service; you're becoming an essential chapter in the narrative of Vernon Family Farm. The fields, the animals, the store, your food and our community—let's cultivate a bond that celebrates fresh, local produce, one flexible debit-style share at a time.
To embark on this journey and experience the farm-to-table connection, invest in our flexible debit-style CSA today online or in the farm store.