We are currently accepting applications for our 2014 Summer Vegetable Shares.
The subsidized share program is a way to make fresh, organic, local produce available to those with limited incomes. Every year, we sell 15 vegetable shares at half price to those who qualify. Anyone can apply for a subsidized share; all applications are then reviewed anonymously by our board, which will award the 15 shares to the most qualified applicants. The enrollment period typically runs from January through March; the vegetable share itself runs June through November (one box each week for 26 weeks.)
The first step in applying to the subsidy program is to join our yahoo group, so you can begin receiving our informational newsletters. If we are in an enrollment period, download an application and send it in! Applications are due March 15th:
• 2014 SUBSIDIZED SHARE APPLICATION
• SOLICITUD PARA EL PROGRAMA DE SUBSIDIO, 2014
• COMPLETE 2014 SUBSIDIZED SHARE GUIDELINES
Membership Details
Members with subsidized shares have the same benefits, responsibilities, and risks as the general CSA membership. Please read our CSA Details page and become familiar with what Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) is all about.
• The regular cost of a 2014 Summer Vegetable Share is $548, but if you qualify for a subsidized share, your cost is only $274.
• Subsidized shares do not have to be paid all at once. If you qualify for a share, your initial payment is $49. Then, from July – November, your monthly payment will be $45.
• You will receive a full share of produce for the entire CSA summer season. This is a box of organic, freshly picked vegetables delivered to our drop-off site every week between June and November. Each box carries an assortment of vegetables, according to the season. Members can pick up their boxes at SCS Thursdays between 5 and 8pm.
• You must fulfill the volunteer requirement. This usually means working 4 hours (two shifts) per season at our pickups. Without volunteers, our program cannot run.
• You assume the rewards and risks of the growing season. Some seasons produce more food; other seasons are affected by erratic weather. Our farmers do the best job they can, and we support them no matter what happens.
The following video explains our program well (the prices quoted in the video may be slightly out of date. Sorry!)
Subsidy FAQ
Here are answers to some frequently asked questions. If you have any other questions do not hesitate to contact the Subsidized Share Coordinator via email: subsidy [at] sunnysidecsa.com or Contact Us. Please allow at least one day for a response.
How much does a subsidized share cost?
Subsidized shares are half the cost of a full share. The regular cost of a 2013 Summer Vegetable Share (1 box each week for 26 weeks, June-Novemeber) is $573, but if you qualify for a subsidized share, your cost is only $274.
What if I can’t pay the cost of a subsidized share all at once when signing up?
We have a payment plan available. If you qualify for a subsidized share, your initial payment is $49. Then, from July – November, your monthly payment will be $45.
What happens if I apply for a subsidized share, but do not qualify? Can I still buy a vegetable share at the regular cost?
Yes, the process has been arranged so that those who do not qualify, but would still like to purchase a share at full cost, will be able to do so.
Do you offer a subsidized winter share?
At the moment, folks with a subsidized summer share have the option of signing up for a subsidized winter share.
If I have a subsidized share, can I also order products from Lewis Waite Farm, or have additional product shares (such as fruit, tomatoes, etc?)
Yes. Subsidized share members can order items from Lewis Waite Farm and pay for additional product shares (but at a full cost, of course.)
Are additional product shares (such as fruit or herbs) subsidized, too?
We are working on subsidized some of our other products, so if you’re interested in that, contact our subsidy coordinator!
Do I have to be a resident of Sunnyside to be a subsidy member?
No, you do not have to be a resident of Sunnyside. Many of our members are from neighboring communities.
Is my information kept confidential?
Absolutely all subsidy applications are kept strictly confidential. Only the subsidy coordinator has access to the application information. Sunnyside CSA does not sell any information submitted.
Subsidized Share Budget at a Glance
In case you’re wondering how we pay for our subsidized shares, here’s a handy chart. Basically, all of the money comes from CSA members via fees, donations, or fundraisers!
