Rodale Institute, Agriculture Supported Communities

ASC (Agriculture Supported Communities) allows community residents to have access to fresh, high-quality, organic produce grown locally at the Rodale Institute in Kutztown. ASC is a unique twist on CSA (Community Supported Agriculture). There are two share sizes of fresh, organic produce available: small share and regular share. ASC members can pay for the entire season up front or choose to pay-as-they-go on a weekly basis. In exchange, members receive 1-2 bags of fresh, locally-grown, seasonal, organic produce weekly for approximately six months out of the year. The typical season runs from June through November. The cost of a regular share is $750.00 and the cost of a small share is $450.00. Shares can be picked up at a local community site. The unique part is that the ASC has a pay-as-you-go from week to week option available for families with limited income making fresh organic produce affordable and accessible for more of the local population. Members can choose between a regular share for $30 per week or a small share for $20 per week. Cash, credit card, or EBT card (SNAP Benefits) payments are accepted at the distribution site when picking up shares. Each bag contains a diverse rainbow of flavors every week and can include vegetables and herbs. Flowers, apples, cider, and eggs are also available to order seasonally for an extra fee. The ASC program is also the training grounds for future farmers. Interns will join us for eight months at the Rodale Institute to learn every aspect of starting up, maintaining and running a small organic grower business. At the end of the season, ASC interns will have gained tools to be a step closer to starting their own organic grower's business thereby increasing job opportunities and availability of fresh organic produce in communities with low-accessibility throughout the country. By becoming a shareholder, you are also supporting organic agriculture, the web of local food systems, and community health. You are not only supporting the important research that the Rodale Institute has been doing for over 60 years to advocate the benefits of organic agriculture, you are also helping to bring organic food to low-income communities with limited access. The Rodale Institute holds special events and conducts gardening workshops throughout the season. Our bookstore & garden shed is open March through December. Check our website for seasonal hours. Farm tours are available year round as well.