Thank you, we look to 2008
A long overdue thank you is in order for all of our members who were a part of Astoria CSA this season. Those early days a few of us spent in October 2006 working to get this CSA off the ground (thinking we would never reach the 50 share mark) seem so long ago. We never thought we would become the huge success we are! With 100 shares and over 260 members we were blown away by demand! It is because of our members’ enthusiasm for fresh, local, organic produce, the desire for alternative food options, and a desire to establish a larger community, that has helped us reach our great heights.
Paula at Just Food has always provided the support we need. Our CSA would not exist without her help. From finding our farmers to food demos and flexible payment options, Paula remains a wise guide through the weeds. Just Food provides amazing programs for the public throughout the year and we hope you consider attending some of their upcoming conferences, or simply contact them to get their e-newsletters for more info.
Of course we would be nowhere without our farmers. A huge thank you to Matt, James and Maggie at the Golden Earthworm Farm for taking so much care in the vegetables we receive. You have fed us so well all season and we are proud to know our farmers! Golden Earthworm also connects us with Briermere Farm, our fruit providers– keep those berries coming!
Thank you to Nancy and Alan upstate at the Lewis Waite Farm. The pigs and cows they raise are delicious and marvelously cared for (if you haven’t been up to their farm we hope you can make it in 2008). Through the creation of CSA Pastures, they reach out to a growing number of farmers in their area (last count was 8 farms) to bring us many additional organic and grass fed/ pastured products: cheese, lamb, honey, chicken, eggs, yogurt, bread and more. They are always working so hard– it must be to stay warm through those NY winters!
Cafe Bar, our 2007 distribution site, enthusiastically donated space for us, without really knowing what they were getting into. Literally, we would be nowhere without you! Finally, Steinway Food Pantry for picking up our extra shares and passing them on to people who do not always have the access to good food. Thank you both.
We look forward to our 2008 season and already envision a more successful year! We will have 50 additional shares in 2008, bringing our share total to 150. We have a $3,000 grant from Citizens Committee for NYC to put towards low-income shares. We are moving to ARROW Community Center in hopes to further green Astoria. We are working with local businesses to provide more add-on options. We are looking forward to more involvement from our members, more events and just a bigger 2008 season! Thank you all!
Note: Please sit tight! Registration for our 2008 season will open to current Astoria CSA members in mid to late January. Registration will open to the public in March with a new member Q&A event night with our farmers. THANK YOU!