Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A.: First Distribution Accomplished

WELCOME TO HOLLOW PUMPKIN C.S.A.

What is a C.S.A.?

Quite simply, it Stands for Community Supported Agriculture and can be the answer to todays industrialization of America's food supply by bringing the community closer to the source of their food supply.

How does it work?

If a person is interested in becoming a member of our C.S.A they would purchase a full or half share per season prior to the season's start. Pre-payment allows a small independent organic grower, like Steve Smith, the finances to invest in the equipment and materials he needs for the upcoming season. For as low as $15.00 per week your share of produce is distributed (each week) over a 24 week growing season (June through November) for your eating pleasure. Distribution may be achieved via delivery or picked up at a designated distribution site on a designated day at a designated time. Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A. will notify it's members as to which method of distribution will be used for that season as the season grows near. We request minimally 24 to 48 hours notice if you will not be available on the distribution day so that we may make other arrangements with you, within reason. If we do not hear from you and your share does not get picked up on the day of distribution within the time slot specified, your share will be donated to a shelter or another community organization.

*Payment plans are available. Call or email and ask us for information about our "Early Turnip Discount."

Why Join a C.S.A.?

1. It Affords you the most healthy and nutritional produce

available.

2. It supports your local farm and economy.

3. It supports the environment.

4. It allows you a relationship with your local farmer.

5. It allows you to have a voice about the produce and food

you eat.

Things to Consider:

1. Do you enjoy cooking with a variety of seasonal vegetables?

2. Are you willing to share the risks along with the benifits. The farmer may occasionally encounter challenges, such as weather related issues, pests and blights? Eating local and seasonal is different than buying whatever you want whenever you want at a grocery store. It will take some getting use to. However, eating local and seasonal is healthier and absolutely more in sync with the environment.

3. Are you adventurous? Do you like trying new and different vegetables and fruits?

Our Distribution Area:

Steve's farm is located in Anna Illinois, 30 miles South of Carbondale Illinois. Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A's distribution area covers Anna/Jonesboro, areas north of Anna such as Cobden and Makanda up to Carbondale, east to Carterville and Marion, west to Murphysboro. We also will distribute to the Lick Creek area and, of course, south, east and west of Anna within a 20 mile (or so) radius. (We are flexible based on the amount of interest we receive in a particular area and distribution issues can be negotiated within reason.)

Who is Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A.?

Steve Smith is the owner and Head Farmer. Steve has various friends who graciously donate their time when they can and we encourage our C.S.A. members to get a little dirty and come out to the farm and volunteer to work in the fields from time to time.

About Steve Smith

Steve Smith came to Anna Illinois from New York and established the farm in 1977, over 30 years ago, with a strong desire to go back to the land and organically grow vegetables. He succeeded, and became the first viable organic farm in Southern Illinois. Steve is truly a pioneer in organic farming in the region. He is dedicated to providing the Southern Illinois community with fresh, local, ecologically sound produce and he is always excited about sharing his knowledge with everyone, especially the next generation.

To contact Hollow Pumpkin C.S.A. you may email: steve.hollowpumpkin@gmail.com or call (618) 614-2233

Thursday, June 2, 2011

First Distribution Accomplished

Labels: carrots, distribution, rhubarb

Our first distribution of the 2011 C.S.A. season is behind us now. There are some kinks to work out but all and all we think it went well.

For the past two years we have been delivering to our members door steps. This year we have chosen to have a central distribution point at he Neighborhood Co-op, since we have grown to a point where it has become unfeasible to continue door step delivery. We are still getting used to this system. Farmer Steve was up and out harvesting huge heads of romaine lettuce at 5:30AM and harvesting went on until 2:30PM when we began to pack up the shares and get Steve out the door. It always amazes us how long harvesting and processing takes. As the season progresses we will get into the rhythm of things and hope we can cut the time down just a hair so that we will be early to the Co-op in order to set things up prior to the arrival of our members.

We hope everyone was pleased with the huge romaine and the beautiful carrots etc... We did not tag the oregano and the lemon balm for we felt the aromas of the two herbs would tell our members what they were. Both herbs are very pungent and distinct. When in doubt, we hope our members are reading their newsletters which include the list of vegetables in their shares. We will tag things that we think folks might not know about and if anyone still cannot figure things our they can always email us and we will be happy to fill them in. We want to thank our wonderful members for helping Steve carry in the shares and for showing up on time and joyful about the harvest.

What about the rhubarb? Well, when we put up the list of produce in the share bags on Sunday, Steve went out and checked the rhubarb for bug damage and there was very little. Wednesday, harvest day, was a very different story. There is a bug called Curculio that loves to poke its nose into the rhubarb and suck the life out of it. We believe, due to the heat that the bugs became active and attacked the rhubarb between Sunday and Wednesday, and so, we did not have enough usable rhubarb for every member. That will happen from time to time. We may put something on the list that, come harvest day, will not be suitable for our C.S.A. members. That is one reason we did not put lists up prior to harvest in the past. Things in the field change from moment to moment...it is all living matter.

It is time for a thank you. Betsy Herman's son, Noah, came and helped process produce on Wednesday. Thank you Noah! We hope you will visit us often. A reminder to all of our members - we are trying to recycle so we would appreciate it if you can return the white tree tags along with your empty bag when you come to pick up your share at the Co-op next Wednesday June 8th. If you have any questions or comments please contact us...we like to hear from you!