CSA Frequently Asked Questions

What does "CSA" mean?

CSA stands for Community Supported Agriculture. It is a movement started in the 1980s to connect and build a stronger community between farmers and people who wish to support local and organic foods. This is done by directly supporting the farmer’s efforts to provide local, fresh food to their community, which also helps to build a healthy local economy.

The typical CSA system is for customers to pay for a season's worth of boxes at the beginning of the season. The customers will receive boxes throughout the season with the bounty of the farmer's harvest. This allows the farmer to have money up front when they the bulk of their purchases to make, such as seeds, plant starts, irrigation supplies, etc.

Now the CSA system has transformed into several different forms but the emphasis on community remains!

Why form a co-op rather than selling straight to the customer?

Why don’t we just cut out this SLO Farmer’s Co-op middle-man and have us buy directly with the farmers? Good question! We farmers have built the Co-op together from the ground up to share the role of local marketing and distribution for our food. We are able to employ some great people with coordination and marketing expertise so that the farmers can focus on farming. It’s a win-win-win.

Win #1: Customers receive more products from one source, simplifying the local food process! You have the ability to pick the produce and cuts of meat you want (and don’t want) in your share, which is not usually an option with a single farm CSA.

Win #2: Farmers receive a greater income by working together and providing a diversified product.

Win #3: The Co-op creates local jobs.

I'm not very experienced in the kitchen – will I still be able to make use of the box contents?

We hear you, and you are not alone! If you haven't already, check out our Resources page, which is designed for the inexperienced cook. You'll find tips for using leftovers, batch cooking, and links to simple recipes from tested sources.

We also always include a few recipes specific to the contents of the current CSA box in our email newsletter sent out on the Wednesday prior to that CSA distribution.

What are worker shares?

A worker share is an opportunity to volunteer at one of our farms weekly, in exchange for a share of vegetables directly from the farm. Work time and activities are arranged with the specific farm and can consist of harvesting, packing shares, weeding, pruning, etc.

Right now, Full Circle Community Farm in Seymour offers worker shares during growing season. Please reach out to info@fullcircle.farm if you are interested!

What is the Perennial Plate Club?

The Perennial Plate Club is for people who want to be subscribed to every CSA season. When you become a Perennial Subscriber, you are guaranteed a CSA share very season and we will seamlessly roll over your subscription!

A share is out of my budget. Is there a way for me to still get some produce?

We'd like everyone to be able to enjoy delicious, local food! So we have several affordability options.

What produce is available each season?

Produce availability is subject to change based on the season and the weather we are experiencing here in Wisconsin. Here are some of the options:

• Spring: lettuce, spinach, kale, radish, asparagus, rhubarb, microgreens, green onions, kohlrabi, overwintered potatoes, cilantro, salad turnips, crimini mushrooms, etc.
• Summer vegetables: asparagus, arugula, snap beans, beets, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, celery, chard, collards, cucumber, eggplant, fennel, garlic/scapes, green onions, kale, kohlrabi, leeks, lettuce, onions, pac choi, parsnips, peas, peppers, potatoes, radish, rhubarb, salad mix, spinach, summer squash, sweet corn, tomatoes (slicers, paste, and cherry), turnips, winter squash
• Summer fruit: cantaloupe, currants, honeydew, cherries, pears, strawberries, watermelon
• Summer herbs: basil, chives, cilantro, dill, mint, thyme, sage, parsley, oregano, rosemary
• Fall: similar greens as spring, some summer produce until freeze, plus onions, cabbage, carrots, beets, winter squash, rutabaga, potatoes, garlic, storage radish, celeriac, etc.
• Winter: microgreens, onions, cabbage, carrots, beets, winter squash, rutabaga, potatoes, garlic, storage radish, celeriac, etc.

Do you have any other products besides produce and meats?

Occasionally our Veggie CSA shares will have some delicious products made by a SLO member farm. For example, in the 2024 Winter CSA shares, Full Circle Community Farm provided their amazing salsa and garlic scape pesto.

We also offer Add-On Subscriptions with products from awesome local businesses who align with our values! With a seasonal Veggie CSA or a monthly Meat CSA, you can also tag on Add-On Subscriptions. View the current Add-On options.

What are the pick-up locations for CSA boxes?

• Full Circle Community Farm - W2407 Hofa Park Rd. Seymour - Mondays 4:30pm - 5:00pm
• The Free Market Grocery Store - 734 W Wisconsin Ave. Appleton - Mondays 4:30pm - 5:00pm
• Voyageurs Bakehouse - 340 N Broadway, Suite 110, Green Bay - Wednesdays 12:00pm - 2:00pm
• Sweet Willow Wellness - 109 S Broadway, De Pere - Wednesdays 4:00pm - 5:00pm
• Valentine Gardens - Green Bay (near UWGB) - 3026 Nicolet Dr. - Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm
• Odyssey Climbing + Fitness - Ashwaubenon - 686 Mike McCarthy Way - Wednesdays 4:30pm - 5:30pm
• Saturday Farmers Market - Green Bay - Washington Street - 8:00am - 11:00am

Have another question?

Please email Scott at scott@slofarmersco-op.com