Receiving a steady supply of fresh, local food is only one of the reasons that over 50 households in Rye and surrounding communities are members of the Rye Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program. Each week, as members pick up their vegetable and fruit shares, they have a chance to meet new friends or just catch up with old friends or neighbors. There are even a few special events held, including wine and cheese tastings. Joining a CSA is a wonderful way to build community.
Each member is asked to sign up to volunteer at the Wednesday delivery table. November 15 was the last pick-up day of the 2017 season. Susan Van Dolsen for one “will miss the weekly trips to Wainwright House and the crunchy kale, broccoli, carrots, collard greens, potatoes, apples, pears and other late fall treats.”
Rye resident Ellen Deixler learned about Stoneledge Farm eight years ago from an organizer in Hastings and she immediately reached out to the farm to inquire about setting up a CSA in Rye. Deixler worked with Rye Community Synagogue and that was the pick-up location until this year, when the CSA was relocated to Wainwright because of construction at the synagogue.
Anyone who is interested in joining the CSA can sign up for either a full vegetable and/or fruit share or one can split a share with another member. Signing up for a share translates into a weekly supply of fresh vegetables and fruit. Members receive whatever is picked that week, which encourages them to try new foods and to experiment with new recipes. There are also add-ons, including a mushroom share, goat cheese from Painted Goat Farm (the best feta west of Greece!), and an online marketplace from which you can order coffee and other products.
To learn more or to sign up for next season, visit www.stoneledge.farm.
Ellen Deixler, Sophie and Jennifer Stevens, Barbara Hughes, and Joanna Roberson
