project leader
Natalia S
location
890 Flatbush Avenue
Brooklyn (Flatbush)
latest update rss
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the project

The Flatbush Farm Share CSA is a mixed-income Community Supported Agriculture project based in Brooklyn. We are dedicated to expanding access to farm-fresh, organic, local vegetables for all income levels in our neighborhood. Partnering with a family-run farm in upstate New York, we now provide weekly vegetable shares on a sliding scale to a community of 186 member households. Members pay according to their income and household size and also have the option to use EBT or set up a cash payment installment plan. We keep prices down for all and community ties strong by functioning as a completely member-run organization.

Our goal is to provide as many discount, low-income memberships as we can for our CSA’s  upcoming 2011-2012 winter share. Many of our low-income members have been with the CSA since it began in 2009, and many have taken active roles in our Planning Group and volunteer activities. Preserving the sliding scale structure despite funding obstacles recognizes their commitment to our CSA community and reaffirms the CSA’s commitment to broad access to healthy and environmentally sound food options.

Currently, we lack the funds to fully finance the discount memberships for low-income households we have projected for our upcoming 2011-2012 winter season. Our former funding has fallen through due to the ongoing economic crisis. To maintain and possibly expand our current level of participation among low-income households in the area, we need funds!

the steps

In order for our CSA to continue bringing fresh produce to low-income community members, we must raise funds from other sources. To support 50 subsidized membership slots that are currently projected for our winter share season, we have to raise $2,488. We currently have a generous donor that is willing to match your donation dollar for dollar up to a $1000. That means if we can raise $1,488, matched with $1000 from our donor, we will be able to operate at full capacity for this season. Of course, the more money we raise above that amount allows us to accept even more low-income members, so don't stop there!

Our CSA uses a tiered pricing model which accounts for income level. We use 4 tiers, 2 of which pay a premium above the farmer cost, and 2 are subsidized and pay below farmer's cost.

-- Level 4 - members making over $50,000 per year pay a $17 premium above the farmer's cost, for a total of $137 for a single share
-- Level 3 - members making $35,000 - $50,000 per year pay a $8 premium for a total of $128 for a single share
-- Level 2 - members making under $35,000 per year are subsidized $25 for a total of $95 for a single share
-- Level 1 - members on government assistance (e.g. EBT) are subsidized $64 for a total of $56 for a single share

To put this in perspective, for our winter share Level 1 members, we are able to provide fresh produce (3-5 lbs. root vegetables, greens, and frozen farm-fresh vegetable packages) for $4.60/week for a single share.  This is all in a season in which—as we all know—fresh, organic, local and affordable veggies are really hard to come by in New York City!

For this winter share, and in fact every season, we plan to sign up as many members as possible at all price levels. Once we determine the funds raised from premium payers and other funding sources, such as this matching funds donation, we will accept as many low-income memberships as we can finance. Given the matching funds we are lucky to have available to us, a donation of $32 ( + match = $64) would fund a single share for a Level 1 member. Please consider these donation levels when contributing to our CSA:

- $12.50 would fund a single share for a Level 2 member.
- $25 would fund 2 single shares for Level 2 members.
- $32 would fund a single share for a Level 1 member.
- $64 would fund 2 single shares for Level 1 members.

why we're doing it

Our mixed-income Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) project addresses the lack of access to fresh, healthy produce in low-income New York City neighborhoods. Flatbush is one of the many New York City neighborhoods that suffer from diet-related poor health:

  • The majority report not having eaten a fruit or vegetable in the last day.
  • More than 1 in 4 is obese.
  • 10% have diabetes – a disease highly associated with obesity.
  • More than half report not exercising at all.
  • 11% of residents, mostly children, suffer food insecurity.

This situation has multiple causes. These neighborhoods often lack sufficient grocery stores selling fresh produce. Those stores that do offer organic produce, sell at prices that a majority find prohibitive. In many cases, people lack knowledge of the connection between the food they eat and their physical health and energy.

That is why the Farm Share was created: By offering affordable, healthy options, we hope to decrease the incidence of these diet-related health problems and help low income Flatbush families move beyond the food pantry and soup kitchen to healthier and more empowering food options. Just as important, by creating a learning community built around healthy and environmentally sound food choices, we seek to provide opportunities for education and community action on local health, environmental, and social justice issues.

Many of our current low-income members have been with the CSA since it began in 2009, and many have taken active roles in our Planning Group and volunteer activities. Preserving the sliding scale price structure despite funding obstacles recognizes their commitment to our CSA community and reaffirms the CSA’s commitment to making healthy and environmentally-sound food options affordable for all.

budget

In order for our CSA to continue bringing fresh produce to low-income community members, we must raise funds from other sources. To support 50 subsidized membership slots that are currently projected for our winter share season, we have to raise $2,488. We currently have a generous donor that is willing to match your donation dollar for dollar up to a $1000. That means if we can raise $1,488, matched with $1000 from our donor, we will be able to operate at full capacity for this season. Of course, the more money we raise above that amount allows us to accept even more low-income members, so don't stop there! project total = $2,488 ioby fee = $119 total to raise = $2,607

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