The quality is superb: picked at peak, often the day of pick-up.
The variety can be a little overwhelming at first but is a wonderful way to try new foods - and add vital minerals, vitamins, and nutrients to the diet. In our baskets, we've had: apples, blackberries, honey, beets, carrots (white, purple, orange), kale, rainbow chard, butter lettuce, broccoli, brussels sprouts, potatoes (several varieties), yams, onions, garlic (several varieties), every herb imaginable, dozens of types of tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, squash (acorn, summer, butternut, etc.) -- the list goes on!
In addition, every other week, fresh, local, organic eggs are provided. As a vegetarian, I rely on this cruel-free source of delicious protein to add balance to my diet.
And the quantity: what a value! The first year I wasn't sure how to handle so much food coming in at once! But with a little planning and a big freezer, I cooked in large batches and filled my freezer througout the summer. All throughout the fall and winter, we enjoy stews, soups, casseroles, and stir-fries from summer's peak. Even with a very hectic schedule of full-time work and lots of volunteering, I found that cooking on a Sunday gave me meals for the week - and the seasons to come.
In terms of value - we get an enormous quantity of produce and eggs for the price compared to the grocery store or a farmer's market. Given that the food is fresh, local, sustainably grown, and organic is really just more bang for your buck. And the convenience (once a week pickup) can't be beat. The best part of Smith Road Farm is the community. Jackie and her crew are caring - for shareholders, the land, sustainable farming, and good food! They have recipes, ideas, awesome book recommendations, and are always going out of their way to make sure shareholders are well-fed and satisfied.
It sounds trite, but Smith Road Farm has completely changed the way I think about food and eat. I've always wanted to eat fresh, organic, local, delicious food. Smith Road Farm has made it a simple, convenient, affordable reality for my family. Highly, highly recommend.