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
It's been a while since the last posting and now Hollow Pumpkin's 2011 season is past the halfway point. The season has been a bit of a roller coaster ride. The weather began a bit bumpy and got much better so the crops came in fairly well. The pests, such as raccoon, rabbits and deer, have been on the increase so we lost our corn and unfortunately it looks like the coons have taken to most of our apples and pears. So the fruit crop this season has been a bit sad. The musk melons have been fabulous this season and we do have pumpkins this season. The harvest is going to be small so we will probably not have pumpkins for the farmers market but we are going to do our best to supply our C.S.A. members with some pretty pumpkins. The photo you see does have a yellow pumpkin in it. We like the yellow tone of this pumpkin. The rain has not been abundant lately and it has taken a toll on our tomatoes as well as our summer squash. Usually we have too much summer squash but this year the field played out early. Steve is planting another large round of fall crops and we believe that this will be a good fall season. I, for one, am looking forward to green leafy veggies and a bounty of winter squash.
we'd like to give thanks to Jessica Allee and Tod Kington for coming out to the farm and putting in some long hot hours. Jessica comes on Mondays and Wednesdays. She helps with the C.S.A. Processing on Wednesdays. Tod comes out when he is needed. He gives us the extra man power that we need to do the heavy lifting and shoveling etc... Sarah Tezak has begun to come out on Fridays to help Steve get ready for the Farmers Market. She is a huge help to Steve. Finally, we had a surprise visitor the other day and that was Charlie Howe who is one of our beloved members. Not only did Charlie work very hard but he brought us a slice of elderberry pie that he made from the elderberries we gave out in a prior distribution. The pie was fabulous. We thank Charlie for coming out and lending a hand and encourage him to continue making pies, he does a great job. We hope the C.S.A. members are enjoying their C.S.A. experience and playing in the kitchen with all of the fresh organically grown veggies. Happy and Healthy eating to you all!
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