Overall, we were very upset and felt like our money was completely wasted. We could have gone to the farm stand down the street and we would have received triple the amount of food and much more variety.
On a positive note, the eggs offered were excellent.
Comment
While the person leaving this review did not leave their name I am pretty sure I know just who it is, because only one person has expressed these views out of about 40 customers. This was our very first CSA season, and we did switch to bi-weekly deliveries half way through the season due to a signifigant drought this year (less than a quarter inch of rain in 12 weeks - the least rain we have received in a season in the last 10 years), BUT no reduction was made to the amount of produce delivered or agreed upon, and the quality of the produce was never compromised. Each customer was also at the time of the switch from weekly to bi-weekly, given the opportunity to opt out of the program for a credit towards meat or next years veggie program, which is much more than most CSAs offer. It was very important to our family and our farm that everyone felt like they were getting their moneys worth, and just about everyone was very positive and understanding. Only a couple of people took the early out option, and most customers remain very enthusiastic and excited by the program. If it was a full share customer the deliveries were doubled up just like with the half share customers. Typically half share customers received a half bushel, once the transition was made to bi-weekly deliveries their share size increased to a full bushel. The idea that mostly squash was delivered is ridiculous. I do grow a lot of squash and I deliver a lot of squash (I plant at least a dozen varieties), but just ot give everyone an accurate idea - I also delivered sweet corn at least 7 times this season and not in consecutive weeks (throughout), and we have one of the most diverse planting lists in the area for a CSA. Everyone received lettuce at least twice, several varieties of sweet and hot peppers, at least 2 varieties of eggplant, swiss chard, pumpkins, several melons and melon varieties throughout the season, brussel sprouts, herbs, cauliflower (4 different colors), brocolli, at least 4 varieties of beans, 6-7 different varieties of tomatoes (cherries and fullsize), onions, potatoes, and so much more. While it was a challenging season, the baskets remained beautiful and bountiful. While it wasn't ideal, it was still a lot of fun and the value was still signifigant. The CSA experience is different with each season, and we all learn and grow. The CSA is not the right solution for every family, but it is a great and rewarding experience for most who take part. Anyone who has been in business for any length of time understands that no matter how hard you work or how well you do...you can't please everybody. And anyone who has been in a business at the mercy of mother nature understands..there are some things you just can't fully control. That said, I think that we offered a wonderful solution to a difficult year, and although it wasn't always easy, I wouldn't change a thing. I love our CSA and I have thoroughly enjoyed blessing our shareholders with their portion of the bounty. God's love and blessings, Stephanie Antaya
Comment
We were dissapointed as well. The season started very late, the communication was lacking and in the end there was not enough produce for all shareholders. Due to shortage we took an option to take the rest of our share in meat. We did not receive any info as to when and where we could pick up our meat and few to none details were offered as to how everything would be worked out. Eventually we decided to cut our loses rather than continue with a very frustrating situation. We understand that the weather can not be controlled, however the the end of season shortage could have been handled better. Last season was their first season as a CSA and we are guessing that most of the issues can be attributed to lack of experience. Hopefully the new season will be more successful. We love the idea of the CSA and we are thinking about giving it another chance, but we are looking for another farm.