We’re excited to announce that this year the Conservancy is hosting Carousel House Farm’s first ever Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program! For an upfront fee, participants will be able to purchase up to 22 weeks of fresh produce or 12 weeks of fresh flowers, all grown in West Fairmount Park using sustainable and organic practices.

Here’s everything you need to know about Carousel House Farm’s CSA program:

What is a CSA?
A CSA is a relationship between the farmer and the consumer in which the consumer pays a fee upfront in exchange for a weekly supply of fresh produce. Not only do CSAs allow people to know where their food comes from, but they support local, sustainable and organic agriculture.

Where are the produce and flowers grown?
All of the vegetables and flowers are grown at Carousel House Farm, which is based at Carousel House, a recreation center for people with disabilities. FarmPhilly, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation’s urban agriculture program, runs garden programming with the attendees of Carousel House, both during the school year with adults, and a summer camp program with youth. The farm produces around 1,500 pounds of fresh fruits and vegetables each year.

What kind of produce should I expect to receive?
The CSA program runs for 22 weeks between June and October 2018. A medium share includes five to six items each week for $370 total, while a large share comes with nine to 10 items each week for $635 total. A typical large share might include:

• 2 lbs of tomatoes
• 1 bag of arugula
• 2 lbs of zucchini
• 1 bunch of kale
• 1 bunch of radishes
• 2 lbs of eggplant
• 1 bunch of swiss chard
• 1 bunch of collard greens
• 1 bunch of onions
• 2 lbs of sweet potatoes

What does the flower share include?
For $140, you’ll receive one beautiful, individually arranged bouquet once a week over the course of five months, with some off-weeks in between. A bouquet of flowers might include sunflowers, zinnias, strawflower, gomphrena, stock, celosia, amaranth, statice, and more!

Where do the funds from the CSA program go?
By supporting Carousel House Farm’s CSA, you are supporting community building and healthy food access within the Carousel House and Parkside communities, along with supporting FarmPhilly’s initiatives!

How do I receive my weekly share?
There will be two pick-up days and times at Carousel House Farm: Tuesdays from 4 to 7 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

I’m in! How can I sign up?
You can purchase a vegetable share, a flower share, or even gift a share to a local family at Fairmount Park Conservancy’s online store here.

For even more information about the CSA program, click here.