Greensgrow Farm

The Greensgrow Summer CSA 2012

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 16:30:00 -0500

WE ARE ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS BEGINNING FEBRUARY 13, 2012.
Thank you for your interest in Greensgrow Farms' 2012 CSA! Here you will find a description of our share, membership details, and a few sample shares to give you an idea of what you will receive each month. If you would like to become a member you can apply online, mail in or drop off a completed and signed copy of the attached application & agreement with your deposit or full payment to our office at Greensgrow Summer CSA, 2503 E. Firth St. Philadelphia, PA 19125. If you are not paying in full, you must submit credit card information for your application to be complete. If you have any questions, contact the CSA hotline at (215) 380-4355 or csa@greensgrow.org.

Your CSA Share
We put a lot of thought into what goes into our share, and over the past 10 years, we have fine-tuned our offerings according to members' input. We provide a balance of staples and new, exciting items to try. We won't overwhelm you with a volume of unusual vegetables that you cannot use, and we try not to give you one thing too many times. We do our best to make CSA items available for purchase at our farm stand while they are in season.

We source produce, dairy, vegan protein, and prepared goods from within 100 miles of Philadelphia for our CSA shares. Our sources range from generations-old farms in southern New Jersey to an established organic co-op to an orchard in Delaware to a fledgling Lancaster County co-op of single-family farms. We bring our region's best to you!

IN THE SHARE EACH WEEK, MEMBERS WILL RECEIVE:
• A seasonal assortment (5-8 items) of locally grown, fresh vegetables and 2 fruits from rural farms and orchards
• A locally produced cheese product. Some favorites include LeRaysville's Sharp Cheddars, Shellbark Hollow Farm's fresh chevre, and Mancuso's handmade mozzarella
• Another dairy/protein option. Your choice of 2 cups of Pequea Valley Yogurt, ½ lb. butter, 1 dozen eggs (cage-free and antibiotic-free), 12 oz. Michael's Savory Seitan made in Florence, NJ, or Certified kosher and organic tofu from Fresh Tofu in Allentown, PA
• A minimum of 3 times during the season, you'll receive $5 worth of Greensgrow Bucks, which you can use at our farm market to pick and choose your own selection of produce, cheese, meat, etc. - whatever your hungry heart desires

IN THE SHARE THROUGHOUT THE SEASON, SOMETIMES YOU'LL RECEIVE:
• A loaf of fresh baked bread from a local bakery like Metropolitan
• Apple cider from a local orchard
• Local honey
• Fresh pasta
• Local prepared foods
• A favorite amongst everyone: Philadelphia Brewing Co. Beer produced here in Kensington

Full Share vs. Half Share Option
The full share is not for everyone. Some of you may eat out more often or want a break from cooking. The half share option is well suited to many one-person households. With a half share, you'll get the same amount of food as a full share, but you'll pick up every other week. We'll let you know when your start date is, and whether you should be picking up on Week A or Week B.

Here are some sample shares from last year's share:
June: 1 piece organic Colby, sharp cheddar, or smoked cheddar cheese • Choice of 1 dairy item • 1 pint blueberries • 1 lb. green or yellow beans • 6 ears sweet corn • 2 lbs. new potatoes • 2 lbs. peaches • 2 fresh onions • 1 head butter lettuce • 1 bunch arugula • 2 slicing cucumbers

August: 1 piece Swiss, smoked Swiss, or hot pepper Swiss cheese • Choice of 1 dairy item • 5 oz. organic spring mix • 1 bunch parsley • 2 lbs. peaches • 2 red bell peppers • 2 lbs. tomatoes • 2 lbs. eightball squash • 2 lbs. red potatoes • 2 slicing cucumbers • 1 sugar baby watermelon

September: 1 tub Shellbark Hollow Farm chevre spread • Choice of 1 dairy item • 2 lbs. Gingergold apples • 1 mini Musketeer melon • 1 bunch mustard greens • 1 head organic green leaf lettuce • 2 lbs. Yukon potatoes • 1 lb. organic pattypan squash • 2 lbs. tomatoes • 2 Sicilian eggplant

November: 1 cheese of your choice • Choice of 1 dairy item • $5 Greensgrow Bucks • 1 bottle Harvest from the Hood Ale • 1 jar Honey from the Hood • 2 lbs. apples • 1 lb. cranberries • 1 head lettuce/bok choy • 1 lb. rutabagas, kohlrabi, or turnips • 1 bunch carrots or beets • 2 lb. white potatoes or red sweet potatoes

Work Share Option
Each season we make a few work share spots available. For a reduced price on the CSA, work shares help us get shares ready, stock the CSA table, and other CSA-related tasks. Work shares must complete 8 4-hour shifts throughout the season to receive $200 off the full share price. (There is no work share option for the half share.) This year, we are requiring prospective work shares to fill out an application so that we may make best use of members' skills and schedules. If you are interested in the work share option, please contact csa@greensgrow.org to fill out an application.

Cost and Payment: We have not raised the price of our shares in 3 years - not bad!
Full share (24 weeks) costs $775 ($32.30/week)
Half share (13 weeks) costs $435 ($33.45/week).

WE OFFER A FEW OPTIONS FOR PAYMENT:
Up Front: Submit payment for the entire cost of your share now, so you don't have to worry about it later.
Installments: If you pay in 3 installments, please include your first payment with the application. Pay the other installments according to due dates on the Agreement. We will invoice you via email. If you are paying in installments you must submit your credit card information for your application to be considered complete.
Cash: Do not mail cash, please bring it to our office with your completed application.
Check: Checks can be accepted with your completed application by mail or in person at: Greensgrow Farms, Attention: CSA, 2503 E. Firth Street, Philadelphia, Pa 19125.
Paypal/Credit Card: ONLINE ONLY. For the first time, we are offering members the option of paying for shares via credit card, through PayPal. We require a 3% convenience fee to process these payments.

NOTE: On the Agreement form, you will notice a spot for credit card information. We do not share this information. We ask for this information in the event that you are 30 days delinquent on your payment. Your spot in the CSA cannot be reserved until we have received application, payment, and credit card info.

Thursday or Saturday Pick-Up? Thursdays: 2pm-7pm or Saturdays: 10am-3pm
You tell us - but speak now or forever hold your peace, ‘cause it's one day or the other. You can't switch back and forth. Thursday's great if you like to cook on the weekend or travel a lot on weekends. Saturday's nice if you know you'll always be stuck at work late on Thursday or would like to turn your farm visits into a more casual, bring-a-friend sort of experience.

Pick-Ups
The CSA season is 25 weeks long, beginning on Thursday, May 24 and ending Saturday, November 10. Pick-up is at the farm, 2501 E. Cumberland St. You are responsible for arranging the pick-up of your share on your chosen pick-up day. We will provide a Google group for those interested in sharing rides, swapping pick-ups, or swapping contents of the share. We cannot grant occasional switches from Thursday to Saturday, so please don't ask. Please familiarize yourself ahead of time with other members in your neighborhood so that when the inevitable happens, you have another option for getting your share (or warn a friend or neighbor who owes you one). If there is an emergency and you are unable to pick up, PLEASE contact us by phone ASAP. We are often asked if we can deliver CSA shares. The answer is no, because all of our staff are busy with tasks that take place at the farm. But...

Alternate Pick-Up Locations
If you are interested in picking up in Camden or West Philadelphia, stay tuned for details of those pick ups.

Vacation Week
We know there will be times when you need to escape to the beach, mountains, or a family affair. That's why all full shares and work shares must take one "vacation week" when you do not pick up your share. To be clear, although the CSA season is 25 weeks long, you will only pick up 24 shares. You must let us know 2 weeks in advance when you will take your vacation week so that we may adjust our ordering accordingly.

Newsletter and Recipe Database
With 2 "reformed" chefs and amateur cooks from BBQ experts to vegans on staff, we have no shortage of recipes and food advice for you. Each week you'll receive a newsletter tailored to that week's share. We'll send it to you via email and post it in PDF format on our website. The newsletter is full of recipes for unusual items and new ideas for old standbys. We'll also give you info on how to store and prepare your food and a little background on its origins. We'll let you know which items to use first so you don't miss the opportunity to enjoy more perishable items.

Come Party with the Greensgrow Crew!
Each year, we host an Opening Party and Orientation for new and returning members. This gives you a chance to see the farm, meet other members, share some local food with us, and learn the pick-up routine. This year, the party will be held at the farm on Thursday, May 17. We'll send out more details as the date approaches.

Volunteering
If you or someone you know are interested in volunteering at Greensgrow, please contact us at volunteers@greensgrow.org. During the season, there is an endless amount of weeding, planting, picking, and marketing to be done. We always appreciate an extra pair of hands. Contact us in advance so that we can schedule time together. Please note that volunteering is not a mandatory part of joining the CSA!

What Makes Our CSA Special
• Our CSA includes items besides produce (pasta, dairy, breads, dips, etc). The share mimics the way people actually cook and eat, rather than providing just one of the food groups. We've often used the tagline "restaurant-quality" to describe our share, because many members recognize farm names and products from trendy restaurants in town that advertise the fact that they source locally.
• You pick up at an urban farm. Each week you'll get a chance to observe a working urban farm in action while creating relationships with the Greensgrow staff and like-minded neighbors.
• You can shop at our farm stand and nursery while picking up your share. In addition to the CSA, we carry a quality selection of produce, pastured and grass-fed meats, artisan cheeses, breads, locally produced goods, and plants galore.
• You are supporting other initiatives of the nonprofit Greensgrow Philadelphia Project, such as education programs, our community commercial kitchen project, and mobile markets increasing food access in underserved neighborhoods.

Here's What Some of Our Members Are Saying About the CSA

"I enjoy the challenge of cooking with vegetables that I might not have purchased on a routine grocery visit. And I really love heirloom varieties of produce."

"The food variety is more inclusive than other CSA's that contain mostly vegetables. Love the regular addition of fruit, cheese, and protein!"

"I like the surprises and planning meals around every week's produce."

"Love the variety, too -- honey, beer, breads are great fun!"

"I felt very informed through the newsletters. I appreciated knowing what to expect at the pick-up site and would get excited about upcoming recipes, etc."

"I love Greensgrow Bucks! It's so fun to pick something out from the farm stand!"

"Greensgrow Farms is the reason I moved to Kensington. You are the lifeblood of the community and I am so excited to be a part of it/you/us!"

"I've been a member for about 5 years now - you guys are doing a great job! Every year it gets a little bit better!"

"I absolutely loved the CSA! It was my first time in a CSA, and the experience was great. I loved trying some produce I had never heard of before, and everything was always really fresh. Great job!"

A Few Final Words of Wisdom
The CSA is not for everyone. That's why we have a farm stand. If you know that you hate trying new things, or you jet-set out of town every weekend, or you are just too addicted to eating out, you'll probably be much happier visiting our farm stand and picking out what you know you'll use. The same items that we put into the CSA share are usually available for sale that day at the farm stand.

To Apply for the Greensgrow Farms Summer CSA 2012
>Click Here to Apply Online
>Click Here to Download a PDF of the Application
>Click Here to Download the Credit Card Info Form

Thank You for Supporting Greensgrow and Local Farms!
If you have any questions, contact the CSA hotline at (215) 380-4355 or csa@greensgrow.org.

Farming and Sustainability Manager

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:30:00 -0500

Description
The Farming and Sustainability Manager (FSM) is responsible for the planning, execution and maintenance of the Greensgrow demonstration farm and grounds, including but not limited to NFT hydroponics, container growing, raised beds, and high tunnel cultivation using IPM and intensive production methods . He/she is also responsible for all Greensgrow satellite growing farms insuring appropriate harvesting, planting and general care, including maintaining relationships with program partners and landowners where required.

The FSM is responsible for guiding Greensgrow's sustainability efforts through the development of new ideas and plans that will increase recycling efforts, reduce waste, minimize environmental impact, and decrease our reliance on outside energy sources. This will be done in conjunction with the Farm Manager and Director of Greensgrow Philadelphia Project, to include:
• Work with Farm Manager to select, order and oversee seeding of seasonal transplants for sale at Greensgrow Nursery.
• Work with Farm Manager to develop, schedule, and participate in farm workshops.
• Oversee development of a tour/visitor system that takes advantage of Greensgrow's existing self-guided tour, and also customize tours for specific groups.
• Assist with non-farming related tasks at the discretion of the Farm Manager, including but not limited to customer service, site maintenance, market set-up and take-down, volunteer management, and general farm duties.
• Work with Fresh Food Manager on a consolidated, safe, clean, and working composting program.

Greensgrow Gift Cards

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 18:00:00 -0500

Give the Gift of Greensgrow!

Purchase your a Greensgrow Gift Card in one of the amounts below. If the address you want the gift card sent to is different than your billing address, you must enter the name and address of the person you would like us to send it to. When Paylpal directs you to the "Review your information screen," you will see the option to change Shipping Address. We can only ship domestically.

Greensgrow Farms Neighborhood Markets: Camden

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:40:00 -0500

The Greensgrow Farm Neighborhood Markets provide residents of low-income neighborhoods of Camden City the opportunity to purchase locally-grown, and affordable produce each week from May to October. Many of these neighborhoods have limited access to fresh and healthy food. Neighbors in these urban neighborhoods benefit from increased healthy food choices and family farmers from the rural area of New Jersey benefit from increased sales of their products.

The Greensgrow Farm Neighborhood Markets accepts EBT/ Food Stamp benefits and offers a Double Value Coupon program to increase the amount of fresh local food low-income families and individuals can buy by matching all purchases made with EBT cards dollar for dollar.

Free health and social services are offered throughout the season. These services include free health and wellness checks, screenings and referrals provided by qualified medical personnel, disease and cancer awareness programs, assistance in applying for federal and state-funded supplemental health insurance and food assistance programs, and nutritional educational and cooking demonstrations.

The Greensgrow Holiday Bazaar is Coming!

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 14:46:57 -0500

December 10, 11, 17 & 18, 2011 • 11 am-4pm

Looking for local, handmade gift ideas from some of the neighborhood's most talented crafters and artists? Make a dent in your Christmas shopping at Greensgrow's Holiday Bazaar!

The nursery is bursting with fresh, local holiday greens and gifts. We've got a variety of Pennsylvania trees in stock, garlands & wreaths, fragrant rosemary trees & table top evergreens, holiday decorations & ornaments as well as winter flowering plants.

SHOP KENSINGTON • SHOP LOCAL!

Fresh Food & Marketing Director

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 11:00:00 -0500

Greensgrow Farms is looking for a passionate self-starter to become the Farm's liaison to Greensgrow's customer and fresh food partner bases. This is an amazing opportunity for a community-minded marketer with an interest in social entrepreneurship and sustainability to create and implement marketing strategy.

Key Responsibilities include:
• Partnering with leadership team to fulfill Greensgrow's mission of reinvigorating urban areas, bridging the urban-rural divide and developing direct to consumer sales channels for small business.
• Developing and maintaining an understanding of Greensgrow's customer and partner base.
• Positioning, creating and executing on marketing and public relations initiatives aligned with Greensgrow's philosophy.
• Manage to a departmental annual budget and providing monthly review.
• Grow existing farm stand and CSA (community supported agriculture) sales.
• Support staff in building long term regional farmer relationships to help keep up with local product demand.
• Manage a small team of farm stand and marketing support staff.

Greensgrow's 4th Annual Whole Hog Event

Fri, 11 Nov 2011 12:40:00 -0500

Save the Date! April 14, 2012
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
You're Invited to Our 4th Annual Fundraising Feast!
Join Greensgrow on Saturday April 14th from 6-10pm for our 4th Annual Whole Hog Feast. This year the party will be at the fabulous Philadelphia Brewing Company in Kensington.

Come join us for live music, PBC beers, and a dinner buffet of seasonal local dishes.

We hope to see you at this great event!
Visit us online at www.greensgrow.org for the latest news and updates.

Event Details
When: Saturday, April 14th, 2011, 6-10PM
Where: Philadelphia Brewing Company
2439 Amber Street
Philadelphia, PA, 19125
Directions: philadelphiabrewing.com

Greensgrow Community Kitchen

Wed, 17 Aug 2011 17:30:00 -0400

Food Vendors:
We are not currently accepting new food vendors at the Community Kitchen.

Cooking, Pickling & Canning Classes
We offer cooking and canning classes open to the public on a first come first serve basis. These classes are listed on our facebook page and website calender. Join our mailing list to get up to date info on all of the goings on here at the farm.

Folks interested in starting a catering, food truck or wholesale food preparation and sales business in a certified kitchen should:

• Read the City of Philadelphia's Guide to Starting Your Food-Related Business

• License Information Contact:
   Department of Licenses and Inspections License Issuance Unit & Zoning Department
   1401 John F. Kennedy Boulevard Concourse Level Philadelphia, PA 19102
   Phone: 311 or (215) 686-8686

• Plan Review, Food Safety Certification, Inspections or other Food related concerns:
   Health Department
   Office of Food Protection 321 University Avenue, 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19104
   Phone: 215-685-7495

We are unaware of any other certified shared use kitchens currently operating in Philadelphia at this time and cannot answer questions regarding inspections, zoning permits, and useage.

-The Greensgrow Team

Greensgrow Offers ServSafe ^® Food Safety Training and Certification.
The next class will be offered in February.

This is a mandatory certification for all Philadelphia kitchens, restaurants & bars. These classes are listed on our facebook page and website calenders. Join our mailing list to get up to date info on all of the goings on . . . and off the farm.

Download the registration Form & Brochure

$175 per person, incl. lunch. Course requires 8 hours of home study.

This course requires 8 hours of home study, and 8 hours of training with a ServSafe certified instructor on the test day. We will notify participants when course materials are available for pick-up (approx 7-10 days prior to test date).

Who should attend? Food Service Employees in Philadelphia Restaurants, Coffee houses, Bars, Schools, Healthcare, Childcare, Self-employed food entrepreneurs.

*Per Philadelphia Code: During hours when food is being prepared, manufactured, cooked, processed, dressed, served or distributed, every food establishment that sells potentially hazardous food must have a certified manager present. Multiple certified individuals may be required for establishments that have operating hours that extend beyond a single work shift or include a 6-7 day work week. Certificates must be renewed every 5 years.

The ServSafe^® Food Safety Training Program is accredited by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI)-Conference for Food Protection (CFP). ServSafe training and certification is recognized by more federal, state and local jurisdictions than any other food safety certification.

Taught by Chef Instructor Chris Koch. Greensgrow's ServSafe course has had a 100% pass rate.

Questions? Contact: kitchen@greensgrow.org

Do your window boxes and containers have the summertime blues?

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 15:30:00 -0400

Let Greensgrow do the planting for you!

We stock a wide variety of beautiful planters and window boxes. Choose from our selection or bring your own container and let one of our experts create a the right container for your garden. Everything from traditional glazed pottery, terracotta, and plastic containers to gorgeous terrariums, Wooly Pocket & Living Wall Planters, Greensgrow made hypertufa planters, and custom, locally made iron window boxes.

Locally Made Window Boxes

Tue, 28 Jun 2011 13:40:00 -0400

Wreen's Custom Iron Works window boxes available at Greensgrow.
Order through Greensgrow and receive a special price on a beautiful iron window box. Two sizes available, plus-we can make any custom sizes you wish. All boxes are authentic ornamental iron and all welded steel. Nine designs to choose from. Locally made!
40" long: $199.00 â¨
65" long: $299.00
Price includes installation.
For more information, please call: 215-887-1153