The Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia

What is a CSA?

Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) farms are mutually beneficial partnerships between a local farm and a neighborhood that desires fresher, healthier produce.

Before the harvest season begins, each CSA member purchases a share. As a shareholder in the farm, a CSA member receives a weekly share of the highest quality produce.

Payment is required before the season begins to provide a stable financial base for the farm. This allows the farmer to purchase seeds, hire labor, and get the season started without having to take out high-interest loans.

What kinds of vegetables do you grow?

Beans, beets, blackberries, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cucumbers, eggplant, many different kinds of greens, kale, collards, kohlrabi, lettuce, escarole, watermelon, cantaloupe, okra, onions, leeks, peas, bell peppers, radishes, raspberries, scallions, summer squash, winter squash, tomatillo, tomatoes, turnips, chard, perennial herbs, basil, dill, cilantro, parsley, hot peppers, garlic

Is Red Hill Farm organic?

Our practices are guided by the national organic standards and by our own goals for achieving a sustainable system. Because the CSA farmers and crew have personal interactions and relationships with the shareholders, we find it an unnecessary step to apply for or pay the expenses of federal organic certification. We invite all shareholders and farm visitors to spend a day with us, walk through our fields, and come see for yourself how we farm. Let’s keep it local!

Cover crops are planted to fix nitrogen, build soil organic matter, and prevent erosion. Seeds are organic when available, with the inclusion of heirloom and open pollinated varieties. We control pests primarily through using crop rotations, encouraging diversity, fostering natural predators, and using floating row covers over the crops. Weeds are kept in check by mechanical cultivation and hand weeding.

How long is your season?

Our share season starts in early June and ends mid-November. The length of the season is dependent on weather and local frost dates. In December and January we are planning for the next season. And from February through May, we seed, transplant, and nurture the crops we will harvest for you starting in June.

How do I get my produce?

You choose either Tuesday or Friday, from 1 P.M.-7 P.M., and come to the farm each week to pick up your share. We harvest the bulk of the produce for you. However, members harvest the crops in the U-Pick garden themselves. We have a relatively large U-Pick garden. Some crops include berries, beans, peas, herbs, cut flowers, cherry tomatoes, and hot peppers. The U-Pick area allows members to experience food at its best—from farm to table.  It is a great place to teach your children about different crops and it gives you an opportunity to spend time at the farm getting to know fellow members.

Can we purchase other products through the CSA?

We offer some off-farm products on a pre-order basis (organic sweet corn, sweet potatoes, Thanksgiving turkeys, and local fruit shares). We also offer products for sale in the share room each week (dairy, eggs, frozen meats, fruit, etc). All of the products are locally sourced, pasture raised, and organic when available.

Why isn't there more fruit in the shares?

We are primarily a vegetable farm. We can't do everything, so we concentrate on what we do best. Growing fruit requires more space, and more time for production.

How much does a share cost?

A full share for the 2010 season is $750. A small share is $500.

Do I have to pay all at once?

You have the option of paying in full or in two installments. All payments are due by the first pick-up in the spring.

Can I share A share?

Yes, some members prefer to split a full share with another family because it is too much produce for them. Finding a share partner and organizing the distribution of the share is your responsibility. Another option would be to purchase a small share.

What happens if I'm out of town on distribution day?

We suggest you have a friend/relative/neighbor pick up your share. There are no refunds and switching days throws us off when harvesting. If you can’t find a substitute, please know that we do not allow food to go to waste. Any leftover produce is shared with the convent and/or local organizations that help those in need.

I want to join!  How do I sign up?

Please email (redhillfarm@osfphila.org) your name, mailing address, and phone number. We will send you a member form and any additional information you need to sign up.