Dear Astoria CSA members,

We are looking for members who would like to volunteer as site “buddies.” Some of our new members are unfamiliar with the concept of CSA and we would love some site buddies to be on-hand for a few initial distributions to familiarize them with the process, our group, and offerings. We are looking especially for volunteers who speak Spanish. This would more than cover your 4 hours of required volunteer work for the CSA. Enthusiastic new members are welcome to apply, we’ll give you a explanation if you’re unclear on anything.

If you are interested, please contact Kristy at kristybredin (at) yahoo (dot) com or 718-274-5279.

Thanks in advance for your help. We are sure that this will be a great experience for all involved as we broaden our community reach.

From CSA Pasture, our meat and dairy providers. News about new products, rising fuel costs, the farm co-op and more.

The next order deadline is next Monday, May 5th at midnight, and delivery is on Saturday, May 10th. Pick up at ARROW begins in June. May location will be sent with your final order summary a few days before pick up.

May News at the Farm

The days are whipping by faster and faster. With one delivery completed on Tuesday, another is looming large on the calendar. In between we are receiving a new batch of processed pork and beef, completing the move from the old barn and milk house at the Waites farm to the new north barn facility at the Lewis farm, and preparing for an AG Summit Luncheon meeting with a wide variety of farmers, producers, and agricultural-related business folks in Washington to see how the community can work better together, strategize on ideas for new projects or cooperative efforts to improve the viability and sustainability of the farms in our region. This year Alan is the chairman of the Agriculture, Planning, Tourism & Community Development committee of the county government. As the supervisor of our town of Jackson, he also participates in the county affairs as a legislator. Alan wants to make sure that some agricultural promotion or new project or new idea comes to fruition. A number of people will be meeting next Monday to see what we can dream-up. So between trips to move freezers, packing materials, tables and boxes, we are planning the luncheon to stimulate conversation from local foods for about 30 people.
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To Astoria CSA Members,

In this News Flash:

1) Payments Due
2) Volunteer Hours
3) May 4 Farm Visit
4) Beer Share- please respond if interested
5) Donations
6) CSA Meat/ Dairy Orders
7) First Delivery June
8) Other News
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A new CSA is starting up in Long Island City supplied by the Farm at Miller’s Crossing. The distribution point will either be Sage American Kitchen on Jackson Ave or The Jacob A Riis Neighborhood Settlement in Queensbridge House.

As we have reached capacity, potential members may want to check LIC CSA out. They have 60 open shares and offer low-income shares, scholarships and accept food stamps.

Contact Danielle at Hunger Action Network (dseidita (at) hungeractionnys (dot) org)

To Astoria CSA Members,

Full cost membership is now closed. We are currently accepting applications for our need-based shares and will send word out to qualified applicants by early May.

*** 2008 Season Payments due May 1
Full payments are due May 1– just 3 weeks away! Please remember to finish making your payments. Return to the membership page to keep up your payment cycle. Thank you to those who have made payments. All money we’ve received is already at the farm!

***Reminder: CSA Pastures Meat/ Dairy Orders
If you placed an order for this month’s delivery pick up is at Aaron and Sandy’s house this coming Saturday, April 12. The address will go out in an email with your final bill (sometime today/ tomorrow) from webmaster@csapasture.com.

***Save the Date: May 4
Mark your calendars! Our farmers are hosting their annual Spring Walking Tour! Spend a day on the Golden Earthworm Farm! GEF is located on the north fork of Long Island (along with all the Long Island vineyards!). Astoria CSA organized transportation and a vineyard tour before heading over to the farm last year. Please email us if you are interested in organizing/ driving group transport for the trip: info@astoriacsa.com. If you have your own transportation there is no need to RSVP for the visit, but if you have open space in your car please leave a comment in this post for folks looking for transport.

***Save the Date: June 5
First delivery of our 2008 season!

***Other Happenings?
We are applying for discretionary funds from Astoria Councilman Vallone. We are seeking money to support our low-income shares for our 2009 season, Food and Nutrition Workshops taking place this season at ARROW, as well as transportation for Farm Visits. Keep your fingers crossed, we’re notified in July.

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For queries about our newsletter, email newsletter@astoriacsa.com.
General questions regarding Astoria CSA should be emailed to info@astoriacsa.com
If you have any other questions regarding this list, send them to: news-owner@astoriacsa.com.