Community Supported Agriculture Program
“In basic terms, CSA consists of a community of individuals who pledge support to a farm operation so that the farmland becomes, either legally or spiritually, the community’s farm, with the growers and consumers providing mutual support and sharing the risks and benefits of food production. Members or shareholders of the farm or garden pledge in advance to cover costs. In return, they receive shares in the farm’s bounty throughout the growing season, as well as satisfaction gained from reconnecting to the land. Members also share in risks, including poor harvest due to unfavorable weather or pests.”
- United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) definition
Microfarms
A Micro farm is an independent farmer who operates on a small acreage. 15% of the worlds food comes from the micro farmer. Cuatro Caminos micro farms are comprised of several volunteer's backyards located in Whittier CA. All managed by the Cuatro Caminos Collective since 2010.
Our CSA
The Cuatro Caminos CSA box program is a partnership between our backyard farms and a community of supporters. CSA members support the farms with their membership fee and agree to contribute a minimum of seven hours of farm or support work during the season, in exchange for a share of the farm's vegetables and fruits. Cuatro Caminos and the Whittier Time Bank will also offer several farm work days throughout the season for large plantings, clean-ups, etc. Time bank members will also receive time dollars for their work.
Cost and Payment Information
Our CSA Box Program for 201 is a 7 week commitment, a full share will cost $175- to be paid all at once. Every week, CSA members are invited to our farm to receive a wide variety of fresh and local, sustainably grown vegetables. Members are asked to bring their own bags or boxes for the pick up.
CSA Frequently Asked Questions
Where and when can I pick up my food?
Shares are available for pickup on Saturdays at one of the Cuatro Caminos mircofarms, located in Whittier CA at the hours 10am-2pm.
Shares are available for pickup on Saturdays at one of the Cuatro Caminos mircofarms, located in Whittier CA at the hours 10am-2pm.
**Due to each garden being a private residence, address is given to members only.
When does the CSA begin?
This year we are using a rolling membership schedule. Each subscription is a seven week period, with members being given a start and ending date.
This year we are using a rolling membership schedule. Each subscription is a seven week period, with members being given a start and ending date.
How many people does a share feed?
A share is designed to feed 2-3 vegetarian adults or a family of four with mixed diets.
A share is designed to feed 2-3 vegetarian adults or a family of four with mixed diets.
How many shares are available this season?
We are a small CSA currently offering only 4 shares, on a first come, first-served basis. Sign up now to ensure your space!!
Can I split a share?
We only sells full shares. If you would like to split a share with a friend, you may do so on your own. We would love to add the contact info of your share-ers to our lists, so that they can also receive CSA communications, so please include this information with your registration, if desired.
We only sells full shares. If you would like to split a share with a friend, you may do so on your own. We would love to add the contact info of your share-ers to our lists, so that they can also receive CSA communications, so please include this information with your registration, if desired.
What do I do if I am on vacation?
Share your share! CSA members can have a guest pick up their food. If no one picks up your share, the produce will be donated to a local Food Pantry.
Share your share! CSA members can have a guest pick up their food. If no one picks up your share, the produce will be donated to a local Food Pantry.
What do I get each week?
Each season brings a different mixture of produce, keeping the box seasonal. A list of current and specials are listed on the ivcaminos.blogspot.com.
Each season brings a different mixture of produce, keeping the box seasonal. A list of current and specials are listed on the ivcaminos.blogspot.com.
Is the produce organic?
The Cuatro Caminos Community Farm uses 100% organic methods to grow its food; however our land has not been certified as organic. The foundation of a CSA model is a relationship of trust between the growers and the consumers—knowing your land and your farmer is much more important than having a label on your vegetables.
The Cuatro Caminos Community Farm uses 100% organic methods to grow its food; however our land has not been certified as organic. The foundation of a CSA model is a relationship of trust between the growers and the consumers—knowing your land and your farmer is much more important than having a label on your vegetables.
What are CSA members work hours?
CSA members are required to do at least 7 hours of service with the farm during the season (an average of 2 hours per month), but are welcome to volunteer more. Members can help harvest vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers. Those who have difficulty doing manual labor or who prefer to offer other skills can work out an arrangement to volunteer in other capacities (technical support, mailings, creative work, etc.) Members may work Wednesdays (between 8am-5pm) or Saturdays (between 10am – 2pm). We will also offer several farm work days throughout the season for large plantings, cleanups, etc.
CSA members are required to do at least 7 hours of service with the farm during the season (an average of 2 hours per month), but are welcome to volunteer more. Members can help harvest vegetables, berries, herbs, and flowers. Those who have difficulty doing manual labor or who prefer to offer other skills can work out an arrangement to volunteer in other capacities (technical support, mailings, creative work, etc.) Members may work Wednesdays (between 8am-5pm) or Saturdays (between 10am – 2pm). We will also offer several farm work days throughout the season for large plantings, cleanups, etc.
To receive a subscription application or have further questions,please email to Cuatro Caminos at: ivcaminos@gmail.com or call 562.448.2619
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