Annie's CSA

Community Supported Agriculture:

A Sustainable Alternative toIndustrial Agriculture.

By Annie’s Gardens and Greens

Small Farms in Trouble

Since 1981, more than 620,000 productive farms have disappeared in the U.S., either bought by larger farms or "developed". In a conventional market system, only 25 cents of every food dollar goes to the farmer, but with a CSA, about 95 cents of the dollar goes to the farmer.

Food MilesIn the U.S., the average grocery store’s produce travels nearly 1,500 miles between the farm where it was grown and your refrigerator. About 40% of our fruit is produced overseas and, even though broccoli is likely grown within 20 miles of the average American’s house, the broccoli we buy at the supermarket travels an average 1,800 miles to get there. Notably, 9% of our red meat comes from foreign countries, including locations as far away as Australia and New Zealand.

Vision

The vision of the employees and producers for Annie’s Gardens and Greens’ CSA is that our local community will be a well-nourished thriving place where everyone has the opportunity to enjoy abundant, locally produced food that is grown in a sustainable and socially responsible manner.

Opportunity

We have an opportunity, with carefulplanning, to move away fromcentralized and fossil fuel basedsystems, towards increased regionaland local self sufficiency in energy andfood.

The way food was meant to be grown

The CSA modelIs it right for you?

What is CommunitySupported Agriculture?

CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) is a social movement that makes a connection between the farmers and the consumers.A CSA is a way for the food buying public to create a relationship with a farm and to receive a weekly basket of produce. By making a financial commitment to a farm, people become members or shareholders of a CSA.Members may help in farm and communityactivities, help in decision making, and pay forharvest shares in advance.The growers provide quality produce and a chance for members to get to know the farmers.

Why Local?Fresh taste: seasonal products, harvested when perfectly ripe, and locally suitable varieties, rather than those selected for their ability to withstand long-distance transportation

Fewer food-miles: less transport and packaging mean less pollution

Better knowledge of and control over what we eat and how it is produced

Ensuring the survival of traditional, sustainable production methods, indigenous breeds, species and food varieties

Preservation and protection of the local landscape and regionality

A New Community

CSA puts consumers back into a relationship with a farm and farmer that they know and can trust, instead of food produced far away with government approved chemicals.CSA membership gives members a connection to the land and a greater sensibility of community and food.

Share With Children

A great way to create a bond with your children and educate them at the same time. Understanding where food comes from allows children and adults tounderstand nutrition, how food is made and what farm the food was grown at. Children will understand that milk comes from a cow and not a supermarket.

FriendlyEnvironmentally SoundSocially ResponsibleConvenientCost-EfficientCommitted to quality

What Can I Expect in a Share?

“Staples Share I” Contents

Year round share:white, wheat, or 7grain bread (Dough &

Joe; Cresco, IA), organic brown eggs (S & C Organics; Fort Atkinson, IA), choice of whole, 1%, or skim milk, and butter (both from Hansen Dairy; Hudson , IA).

“Staples I” Share Schedule and Cost

1st Friday of the month: one loaf bread, 1 gal. milk, 1/2 pint butter, and 1 doz eggs3rd Friday of the month: one loaf bread, 1 gal. milk, 1 doz. EggsOne time $10 start up fee

$20/mo

“Staples II” Share Contents

Year round share: white, wheat, or 7grain bread (Dough & Joe; Cresco, IA), organic brown eggs (Stacy Bushman; Fort Atkinson, IA),choice of whole, 1%, or skim milk, and butter (both from Hansen Dairy; Hudson , IA

“Staples II” ShareSchedule and Costs

1st and 3rd Friday of the month: one loaf bread, 1 gal. milk, 1/2 p. butter, and 1doz eggs2nd and 4th Friday of the month: one loaf bread, 1 gal. milk, 1 doz. EggsOne time $10 start up fee

$40/mo

“Add Cheese, Please”Share Contents

Yearly subscription of a mix of Kosher cheeses that are natural, no additives, no preservatives, and free of animal enzymes including; 1# cheddar, 8oz. havarti, 1# mozzarella, or 1# California Monterey (Mitzva Farms; Waukon, IA). The first month will start with 1# mozzarella and then the choice is yours the following months.

“Add Cheese, Please” ShareSchedule and Cost

1st Friday of the month$6.00/mo

“Organic Vegetables” ShareContents

Shareholders will enjoy fresh certified organic vegetables including lettuce, carrots, spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, garlic, zucchini, peas, beets, cucumbers, basil, Swiss chard, green bean, potatoes, and much much more. 20 Weeks of vegetables will feed a family of 4 who enjoy a wide variety of vegetables. Feel free to split a share with a friend! Great way to share the harvest. Includes a weekly menu with recipes. (G It’s Fresh Organics; Cresco, IA).

“Organic Vegetables” ShareSchedule and Cost

Weekly distribution for 20 weeksOne time $20 start up fee$25/week + 1 time start up fee = $520/20 weeks

We will accept payment plans!We also accept food stamps.And credit cards are welcome.

“Meat” Shares

Call us to inquire about meat shares on an individual basis. We will get in contact with our suppliers and make sure the product is delivered or available for pick-up at Annie’s Gardens and Greens. This share will be customized until a large amount of people dictate otherwise.

Coming in 2009: “Fresh Fruits, Vegetables, and Herbs” Share

A seasonal supply of a weekly mix of Fresh Vegetables, Fruits, and Herbs. Feeds a family of four including a weekly menu with recipes.Price has not been determined yet.Duration of season has not been determined yet.

Also in 2009: “Everything but the Barn” Share

A year long subscription of fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, eggs, cheese, butter, salsa, and baked goods. In the winter, canned vegetables, and fruits will take the place of fresh vegetables and fruits. Feeds a family of four including a weekly menu with recipes.Price has not been determined yet

Always available for individual purchase

Baked goods- (cupcakes, pies, bars, breads)(Fridays) Dairy products (cheese curds, ice cream)Vegetables (in season)Herbs (fresh or dried)Emu Products (lotion, athletic cream, eggs)Fruits (in season)Teas and herbal blends, butters, and rubsJams (assortment)

How will I get my food?

Distribution

On farm pick-upDelivered to house (extra fee)Delivered to drop off point in local community ($5.00/month extra)If there are enough share holders in one place of business, an office drop-off might be another option. (extra fee)

Remember…

Local Food Sales Keep Money in Our Local EconomyEating Local Supports Family FarmsThe Fresher the Food The better it TastesGet to Know Your Farmers and where your Food Comes From

Questions?

Who are the Farmers?