Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a farming model.   It has been around for about 20 years and is gaining major popularity throughout the country.   The concept is simple…local communities supporting local farmers!  It is an economic model, a social model and a food system model.  At Park Ridge Organics, we believe in this approach to farming.  We offer a Vegetable Share Program or commonly know to many as “a box program”.  Interested people become members of the farm by purchasing a “share” of the seasons produce.  The share is a box of produce that members pick up from a determined location, every week during the growing season (June thru October).  The weekly box is filled with fresh produce grown at the farm.  There are 2 sizes to choose from depending on your family size/vegetable needs. The share is purchased before the season starts, allowing us to use the money to buy seeds, supplies and pay wages during the season.  In return, our members receive fresh, locally grown produce! There are a limited number of spaces available and the program is on a first come first serve basis.

We are Certified Organic and our produce is Fresh!

Our commitment to growing organically is very important to our operation.   We guarantee that our produce is grown without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.  We are USDA Certified Organic by the Midwest Organic Services Association (MOSA).  We are also very proud of our produce quality.  Each week, our farm follows a particular harvest schedule to ensure that when the boxes are filled, the freshest possible produce is going in them.  Our employees are all taught the best post harvest handling practices for each variety of produce. The fresher the food, the better it tastes, the longer it lasts and the more you can enjoy it!

What does Park Ridge Organics grow?

At Park Ridge Organics, we grow 30+ different types of vegetables and multiple varieties of those types!  From asparagus to zucchini, we grow the common veggies and the not so common.  Part to the Vegetable Share Program experience is that members get a chance to try new things and eat food that is in season!

The benefits definitely outweigh the risks.

There are some risks involved with growing food in Wisconsin. From extreme weather to plant diseases, members are taking some risk.  An example would be if some of the fields flooded and produce was lost, the boxes would be less plentiful.  We strive to provide the best produce possible, however Mother Nature is the ultimate boss of this operation. We will always do our best to give our members the best.  In our 7 years of growing, Mother Nature has been good to us, and us to her.  We plan to keep it that way.

How long is the season and when does it start?

The growing season is 20 weeks long starting in early to mid June and ending in late October (length always depends on weather).

How many people does a share feed?

We offer 2 share sizes- Full and Half.  Half shares will feed approximately 2 adults per week.  Full shares will feed approximately a family with 4 to 5 people.  Everyone eats vegetables at different rates.  If you are a vegetarian, your weekly box may go fast.  If you add a vegetable side dish to a dinner a few nights a week, the produce might pile up in your fridge. Each week we will email members a list of the items that will be in the box.  We will include recipes and storage tips as much as possible. 

How to join and what is the cost?

Fill out the sign up form and send in your payment. There are a limited number of spaces available. 

•Half Share  $375  (feeds approx. 2 adults per week)

•Full Share  $575  (feeds approx. 4-5 people per week)

•Worker Share- $0  (half share and full share options- see WORKER SHARE INFORMATION flyer for details)

Pick up locations

We offer 4 pickup locations. 

TUESDAYS from 4pm to 7pm

1. • #1  Tuesdays 4-7pm, Park Ridge Organics Farm - N8410 Abler Road, Fond du Lac
   

2. • #2  Tuesdays 4-7pm, 552 Morris Street, Fond du Lac (southwest side)
   

3. • #3  Thursdays 4-7pm, 909 Hewitt Street, Neenah
   

4. • #4  Thursdays 4-7pm, Appleton, site is yet to be determined
   

     

Shares are all SOLD OUT for the 2010 season.  Check back in December of this year for info about the 2011 program.  Thank you!